Help Susan recover from financial ruin

Hi, it’s Devon Murphy. In 2010, I joined the United States Peace Corps and spent two years volunteering as a secondary school teacher in Kyenjojo Uganda, in Eastern Africa. That is where I met Susan Katusiime. She was memorably brilliant, hardworking, quick to laugh, and loved by all. Susan was the only girl in a science class full of boys and was a role model in the school.

An orphan, who lost all her parents at the age of 10, Susan had big dreams. She wanted to become a doctor, but because she couldn't afford the tuition of medical school, she decided to take on nursing school, sponsored by us, the friends who knew her and believed in her dreams. She is now making us all proud as a nurse in Uganda.

Recently, I was struck hard by the sad news that her dreams seem shattered. She is facing challenges one should not overcome alone. That is why I am stepping up to support her on GoFundMe.

As with many challenges in life, people need community. I am sending out the call to family, friends, and well-wishers. Please join me in helping Susan and her family recover from financial ruin and pursue their dreams again. For someone who has given so much to those in need, it is time to return that goodness back to her. When there’s hope, it’s never too late. Help Susan get back to her feet, so she can continue helping those in need.

Read her story below:

My name is Susan, 34 years old, from Uganda. In a small, land-locked country in Eastern Africa. My spouse and I work together supporting two wonderful kids, Rapha (8 years old) and Rohi (4 years old). I am a nurse by profession. I am here to ask for help from any kind-hearted person who is in a position to help another human being. Asking for help is not easy, but we do what we must for our children. More than anything, I want to give them a better future.

My husband and I have been married for 8 years. Despite us both losing our parents at a tender age, as a young couple we had dreams, BIG dreams! But these dreams were shattered by COVID. He lost his job, and I had taken out a salary loan to supplement our income. When the business collapsed during lockdown, I was left with this loan to pay, which consumes almost 80% of my salary.

Since then, our lives became a series of uphill battles, marked by financial struggles, and an ever-growing mountain of debt. Evicted from our apartment, due to accumulated rent arrears, we sold most of our things and borrowed again just to provide a safe place for our kids. I cannot bear to see them endure what my husband and I did as orphans.

As a mother, it hurts to see we can no longer provide the basic needs of life for them. Reminiscent of the same horrors my husband and I faced. Currently, we are unable to pay their school dues, dress them properly, and worst of all, feed them well. All my salary goes into paying debts.

My husband’s income from Uber (the car is not his) can at least feed us on a daily basis. In Uganda, getting a decent job depends on who you know in those big offices. It doesn't matter if you are brilliant or your capabilities. The phrase here is; "who do you know in that office for you to apply there for a job.” A sad truth.

We are asking for your help, to turn the page on this story… to relocate to Canada and find peace. Recently, a glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon. I was offered a remarkable career opportunity in Canada to work as a caregiver (nurse). I am ready and willing to go, which will allow me to earn the wages needed to afford a good school for my children, and give them a chance every child deserves. Being still young, I am ready to work diligently to support my family, and excited for this chance to start something new. Hope for the future, for my kids, within reach!

There are times in life when everyone needs help, and for me, this is one of them. I can see a different mountain behind new obstacles, but this time I feel that it will not be alone.

The cost of relocating to Canada is significant. Airfare, initial housing costs, and early living expenses before I start getting my first paychecks.

1. Relocation to Canada totals about $7800

2. Our remaining debt $6,200 (including interest)

Our target is $14,000

Please help us. We kindly and urgently need your help so that I don't lose my job offer. I am reaching out to all kind-hearted individuals who understand the value of helping others in times of need. Your donations, no matter how small, can make an enormous difference for my family. Each contribution brings us one step closer up that mountain, free from the burdens that have weighed us down for so long, and most importantly, a future of possibilities for my kids. If you are not in the position to donate, we kindly ask to share our story with your community.

From the depths of our hearts, we thank you for your compassion and support.

Mwebale nyo (“thank you very much” in my local language Luganda),

Susan