A Covenant Mercies Story: Jakisa

Jakisa Wycliffe’s earliest memories are marked by loss, including the tragic loss of his father when he was only four years old. His mother suddenly found herself as the single parent of five children. However, even at a young age, Jakisa recalls her strength and resilience in the face of despair.

In second grade at the age of seven, Jakisa was enrolled in our Orphan Sponsorship Program in eastern Uganda.

“Covenant Mercies not only provided school fees,” he says. “They poured belief into me. They gave me mentors who reminded me that I mattered – that I was more than my circumstances.”

After secondary school, Jakisa attended Busitema University where he earned a degree in computer engineering. While in college, he became serious about his faith in God, and soon joined the Christian Union at his university, eventually becoming its chairperson. He also served on the worship team at his local church as the bass guitarist. Upon completing his degree, Jakisa landed a contract job in the IT field, but he also began to pray about a permanent position as a tech educator.

Meanwhile, Covenant Mercies was at work in western Uganda, establishing a computer lab on the campus of Hope Community Primary School in Kiburara. During a routine visit to Kiburara, David Mayinja (our Director of International Development) called Jakisa in an attempt to kickstart the recruiting process for a computer teacher. He knew Jakisa had been in school with other tech students, so he called him for possible recommendations.

Eager to explore this job opportunity for himself, Jakisa jumped on an overnight bus to Kiburara (an 8-hour trip), to interview in person with David and the school administration. Shortly thereafter, he enthusiastically accepted the position of Computer Lab Instructional Technician for Hope Community Primary School.

David describes Jakisa as innovative, focused, and determined – a devoted Christian who loves the children at Hope Community. He is friendly and approachable, with an ability to come down to the students’ level when teaching computer skills. He has quickly become a favorite teacher among the students.

Jakisa has already developed a graphic textbook to teach coding to kids, and he continues to dream big dreams for his future. But beyond his own personal success, his deepest desire is to inspire other vulnerable children and say to them,

“I was once where you are, and you can get here too.”

Through deep faith in God and the unwavering strength he witnessed in his mother, Jakisa rose from the hardship of his childhood. His personal story is now a story of hope for our students, demonstrating how faith in God can transform pain and loss into a life of purpose.