GAMAID
- July 24, 2025
Shelter and Skills: Preference UcheNwaga’s Path to Independence
I am Preference Amarachi UcheNwaga from Uyo. When my hostel rent expired and I still hadn’t been allocated a new space for the next session, I found myself at a crossroads. At the same time, I had no money to pay my fees, and the student portal was about to close—threatening my continued enrollment. Each morning I faced the anxiety of an uncertain future: nowhere to call home, mounting tuition deadlines, and the very real possibility of interruption to my studies.
That’s when GAMAID Foundation stepped in and changed the trajectory of my university journey. They provided me with secure shelter, immediately allocating me a space in one of their houses so I would not have to struggle for a place to stay. When I reached my third year and again failed to secure hostel accommodation, they renewed that support—no rent required. Even more crucially, they paid my tuition for the entire second semester of my third year before the portal closed, sparing me from late fees and additional charges. I was asked only to refund the exact amount I would have paid, without ever being burdened by the extra institutional fees that often trip up struggling students.
Beyond meeting my immediate needs, GAMAID opened doors to vocational training that enriched my skills and broadened my opportunities. Through their programs I learned poultry farming, crop farming, fishery, house cleaning, and ushering. They didn’t stop at teaching me—they connected me with paying jobs in ushering and house cleaning, allowing me to apply those skills and generate a steady income. These practical experiences not only supported me financially but also built my confidence and work ethic, equipping me to contribute meaningfully both to my own needs and to my family’s well-being.
Because of their shelter support, I never had to return home when the hostel gates closed; I remained in Uyo, continuing my extracurricular activities and staying fully engaged in campus life. The stability of knowing where I would sleep each night—and that my tuition was covered—gave me the freedom to focus on my studies, leadership roles, and personal growth without the constant fear of eviction or academic interruption.
I am profoundly grateful for all I have experienced through GAMAID. Their timely intervention transformed a season of hardship into one of progress and hope. Foundations like this are rare in our part of Nigeria, and I have felt their love and care in every act of kindness. I will never forget the gift of security, support, and skill development they bestowed upon me. May God continue to bless GAMAID and sustain their life-changing work for countless students like myself.