Okot Geoffrey
Okot Geoffrey is an extremely determined teenager.
The war has wreaked havoc on his life, including making him an orphan, but Okot has a firm resolve to create beauty and newness in his life. When we first met him in 2006, he was hauling two 20-liter jerry cans full of water over the distance of one mile-- making 10 cents a haul. Okot was also spending his evenings working late into the night running his brother's small village shop selling soap, sugar, and matches. He was doing all of these things in order to put himself through school!
Because of Okot's determination, Firelight Project was honored to offer him our first student sponsorship. While he is still a hard worker, who struggles to pay rent on his hut and buy food, Okot can now devote his extra time to studying. He often wakes in the early hours of the morning to study by candlelight before the sun rises and his day of school and chores begins.
Okot has suffered much in his young life, yet he is tender, kind, and cares deeply for his friends.