Dennis’ story
FROM LUMULE TO LONDON
“I don’t know how I got so lucky, but Now, I want to extend my luck as far as I can back into my community.”
– Dennis Okwera,
Founder of Lumule Foundation
Lumule Primary was my first school.
My father fled Lumule when I was just 5 years old to seek out a better life for me and my family. My mother returned to her own village following their divorce, leaving me and my little brother to live with our nan. But, we didn’t always sleep under her roof. Rebel forces frequently attacked the village, looted houses and kidnapped children, forcing us to hide in the bushes to avoid capture.
DonateI remember my last day in Lumule.
The school bell had rung – a signal that it was safe to go – so I walked over to the building, but as I approached, I saw a group of strange men surrounding some children. I looked behind me, and my nan was calling me to come back. The men were rebels, and many children were abducted that day after assuming it was safe. My nan told me later that the school bell didn’t ring like usual. Her suspicion and quick thinking had possibly saved me from a harrowing fate.
Donate“When I arrived at Lumule Primary School, what I found was worse than I had imagined. The destroyed walls are falling apart, and the children don’t have access to basic food during school hours.”
– Dennis Okwera,
Founder of Lumule Foundation
GRANTED ASYLUM IN THE UK
I don’t know how I got so lucky, but me and my brother Chris were granted asylum in the UK and reunited with our father. Now, I want to extend my luck as far as I can back into my community.
I’ve been sending essential supplies such as nappies, formula milk, sanitary products and school materials whenever possible. I used money from my student loan to put my three cousins through education, and now use my salary from the fashion industry to help where I can.
In 2022, i returned to Lumule, for the first time in 20 years
In August 2022, I returned to Lumule for the first time in more than 20 years to meet the community I’d been supporting. Along with an emotional reunion with my mother, who I hadn’t seen in over two decades. I didn’t know what it was like to have your own mum.
When I arrived at Lumule Primary School, what I found was worse than I had imagined. The destroyed walls are falling apart, and the children don’t have access to basic food during school hours. Girls have no access to basic sanitary products, and young mums are struggling to feed their families.
I realised that Lumule needed more than just my support; they needed a voice. So I started the Lumule Foundation.
“My mission is to create a safe place for the children of Lumule. A place where they feel protected, loved and supported as they learn.”
– Dennis Okwera,
Founder of Lumule Foundation
CHANGE is only possible with your support.
I want to create a safe place for the children of Lumule. A place where they feel protected, loved and supported as they learn. A place where the school bell rings every day and a place where everyone can access the opportunities needed to succeed in school – and in life.
But all of this is only possible with your support.
Please take a moment to read our mission, share our work and donate if you can. Let’s make sure the children and community of Lumule no longer feel forgotten.
Let’s make a difference together.
Dennis x