Emmanuel Otengei Opio, 14, the pupil who was photographed reading under a streetlight at night in Katakwi township, has been received at his new school.

His education has been sponsored by Vice-President Jessica Alupo who was touched by Otengei’s determination of reading in the cold as he battled with mosquitos.

A teacher monitoring pupils as Otengei and friends take notes.

On Wednesday, Otengei, who had never imagined reaching Soroti town, arrived in Entebbe, Wakiso district where he was received by headteacher Leo Gamubaka.

“We subjected him to an interview that he managed to pass leading to him maintaining his class (P4). We pledge to support him,” Gamubuka said.

Otengei in the dormitory

He was ushered into his class where he was welcomed by the pupils. The headteacher also escorted him to his dormitory before returning to resume his studies.

A smiling Otengei wrote his notes with ease as the class has space, unlike his former school where four pupils share a desk. For now, Otengei enjoys the desk since it is only two pupils on it.

Otanget reading under a streetlight

Otengei, who aspires to become a civil engineer, is the third born in a family of four. His parents, Nicholas Ojakol and Hellen Christine Idokot of Aputon-Okinya village, Aakum parish, Guyaguya sub-county in Katakwi district.

In January this year, Otengei’s mother fled from her husband of 20 years on claims of domestic violence.

She decided to move together with her two children to stay in Ajeluk cell, western ward in Katakwi town where she would do casual work for earning a living.

Primary Four teacher Kenneth Opwonya teaching a crowded class.

When schools opened for the first term in February, Idokot, who got casual work cooking in a local restaurant, enrolled Otengei in P4 and her last born in P.1 at Township Primary School in Katakwi town.

Otengei was previously at Aakum Primary School where he sat for his P3 examination and was promoted to P4.

Related story: https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/alupo-offers-scholarship-to-boy-seen-studying-157901

Alupo, who offered a scholarship to Otengai, has urged him to work hard so that his dreams can become reality.

“His determination is extraordinary. I have accepted to support his education up to university,” Alupo said.