Fleeing Persecution in Uganda, Mother of Two Leaves Career as a Journalist and Earns Degree in Nursing

Written by Julie Slack, First Literacy Marketing and Communications Director

Bushrah was born in Uganda. A former investigative journalist, Bushrah worked for a prominent television station in Uganda and faced persecution many times by the Ugandan government. In 2018, she made the difficult decision to leave her family and flee her country to save her life.

When Bushrah arrived in the United States, she struggled to find a place to live as she did not know anyone who lived in the United States. While she was an established journalist in her home country, she had a strong desire to start a new life in the U.S. and create a brighter future for her two young children. Passionate about helping others and making a difference, she decided to pursue a degree in nursing.

Bushrah started attending Mount Wachusett Community College to take the prerequisite classes needed to apply for a nursing program. Juggling her responsibilities as a full-time student and a single mother was challenging, but perseverance and a drive to make the world a better place kept her going.

Forging A New Path

Bushrah at the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School graduation.

Then in 2021, Bushrah was awarded a scholarship from First Literacy. The scholarship provided her with the funds necessary to pursue a program in Practical Nursing.

“First Literacy believed in me, and the scholarship gave me the financial and moral support that I needed to persevere and excel in my classes.”

Each year, First Literacy, a Boston based non-profit, awards $1,500 scholarships to recent graduates of Massachusetts Adult Basic Education (ABE) or English language programs who are continuing to vocational training or higher education.

Since First Literacy’s Scholarship Program began in 1990, over 600 scholarships have been awarded to adult learners throughout Massachusetts. Awards are given in recognition of educational achievements and potential, community service, and perseverance in the face of hardship.

With the support of First Literacy Bushrah was able to enroll in the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School. On June 20, Bushrah proudly received her diploma.

“Although challenges may force one to put a pause on their dreams or even quit, I never considered any of the above. I’ve grabbed every opportunity that came my way to make sure that I make my life and my future better by working hard for it.”