Isaiah Chan: A Quest for Family and Bright Future

Born to a Ugandan mother and a Chinese father, Chan has been raised solely by his mother, Joyce Fatuma Chebet, who has faced her share of hardships.

Kapchorwa - Despite the challenges life has thrown his way, Isaiah Kiplangat Chan, a 14-year-old pupil at Joshua Cheptegei Junior School, sits in the classroom determined and hopeful.

As he writes his Primary Leaving Examinations, Chan dreams of a future beyond the struggles he faces. His ambitions are woven with a deep-seated hope to meet the father he has never known.

In the central division of Kapchorwa, at Joshua Cheptegei Junior School, Chan is a young leader, the head boy, and a diligent student. But his journey to this point has been anything but ordinary.

Born to a Ugandan mother and a Chinese father, Chan has been raised solely by his mother, Joyce Fatuma Chebet, who has faced her share of hardships.

Now, with the absence of his father and his mother’s struggles to make ends meet, Isaiah’s story has captivated his community.

"Isaiah’s story is one of hope and perseverance, he has always shown great respect and diligence, inspiring everyone in the school," said Isaac Kwemboi, his headteacher.

Chan's father left Uganda nearly 14 years ago when his mother was just a week pregnant in Kapchorwa. A water engineer on a journey from Uganda to Tanzania and later to the US, his father disappeared from their lives, leaving only a memory—a small necklace that he gave to Joyce.

The necklace, treasured by the young Chan, serves as a symbol of blessing and a distant connection to the man he has never met.

Over time, communication with Chan's father was entirely cut off, with the last message reaching his mother in 2010.

“I believe he’s out there somewhere,” says Chan, clutching at the necklace. “Maybe one day, we’ll meet and I want to see him like other learners who are visited by their fathers.

Ms Chebet has faced incredible odds in supporting her son, working long hours in various jobs, including at a Chinese supermarket and washing clothes in Mbale and Kapchorwa to earn a living.

"Life has not been easy, but Isaiah gives me strength, I am so proud of him, especially seeing him sit for his exams today. He never complains, even when things are tough," she says with pride.

A physical disability from a past accident limits Chebet's mobility, making each day a struggle. Yet she remains resilient, finding solace in knitting, an activity she says helps ease her stress.

Still, this less privileged family faces financial challenges. Isaiah suffers from myopia, a condition that makes it difficult for him to see without glasses.

Yet, the glasses he needs cost Shs370,000 —an expense that is currently out of reach for the family.

Isaac Kwemboi, the headteacher at Joshua Cheptegei Junior School, narrates how Chan joined the school and the support offered to him by the school proprietor.

"Isaiah was brought to us this year for Primary Seven from a school in Mbale. The champion (Joshua Cheptegei) gave him full bursary and everything is paid for here at school. Isaiah’s positivity shines through in everything he does, he’s always willing to help, and he’s very clever in class. He deserves every opportunity we can give him," " Kwemboi adds.

For Chan, school is more than a place of learning; it is his refuge. He recalls times before joining his current school when his mother couldn’t afford school fees, and he was often sent back home.

“Seeing my father, even just once, is something I think about a lot,” he says quietly. “Sometimes, I feel empty when I see my friends with their fathers.”

Each morning, Chan greets his dog before heading to school, a daily ritual that brings him joy. The dog has become a companion during uncertain times, a source of comfort and encouragement, helping him to start each day with a smile.

"I don’t have much, but my dog is always there for me," Isaiah says with a grin.

"He makes me feel happy."

As Chan sits his exams, his community rallies around him, inspired by his resilience and determination.

With a mind full of hope and a heart that longs for a father's connection, Chan’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of family, community, and the indomitable human spirit.

"I have faith that good things are ahead. One day, I hope to make my mother and my father—wherever he is—proud," he said.