Maria Goretti, proposed for scholarship by Fr. Cosma Masanga, diocesan priest of Kasana-Luweero diocese and Formator at Katigondo National Seminary.  Maria was introduced to Fr. Masanga on her baptism day by Maria’s caretaker, an elderly widow who could not afford to pay a fee of 5,000 Ugandan shilling, (the approximate equivalent of $1.35, or 1 GBP). 

The story in this village is that Maria, whose mother was very ill, gave birth to her under a bush in the village, and died shortly after, leaving the baby.  The village people asked the elderly widow to take the infant in, as she had looked after the child’s mother as well.  The child was named at birth Sanyu, meaning “Joy”.

Both the village and the church provided food and basic support to Maria and her caretaker, who also led the children’s ministries at the parish.  The two lived in a very simple unfinished house, without bedding, which was not safe for either, especially the growing child.  The Priest requested that the caretaker allow Maria Goretti to relocate to his Parent’s home, which is not so much different from hers, but there were more capable people there to take care of the child.  The child was legally taken into the custody of Father Masanga’s family in 2018. At this time, she was given the name Maria Goretti.

Maria is described by the family as “a simple, polite, social, kind child, and quite talented. She is intelligent and emotionally stable. She mixes well with new people. We hope when she gets good education, she will be a great person!”

We, at STEM is for Everyone believe this child has great purpose, and we are honored and privileged to support Maria on her on her journey. 

If you wish to donate to the MST Junior School Scholarship program in Uganda and open doors for more children like Maria, you may do so on our website, www.stemisforeveryone.org choose “Donate “on the top right of the homepage.