Success Stories
Leading the Next Generation
When I visited Rushaga Community School to give gifts to the children, I met Gloria. It was evident from the moment I met her how much she cares for every child there. Her compassion comes naturally, but her determination to create change goes well beyond that.
Gloria’s own journey began at this very school. Coming from a challenging home life, she has six siblings, and her father left. Her mother left as well, taking three of the children, leaving Gloria to care for three other siblings. Gloria’s path could have been defined by hardship. But thanks to Happy Bruno’s sponsorship of her education, she was able to rise above her circumstances.
Gloria A
Sustainable Tourism Ambassador
Education didn’t just change Gloria’s life; it ignited a purpose in her. Now, she carries the responsibility of her family on her shoulders while also nurturing the next generation. She cares not only for her younger siblings and grandparents but also for the community’s children, determined that they will have a brighter future.
What makes Gloria extraordinary isn’t just her resilience; it’s how she chooses to use it. She deeply understands what it means to grow up in these villages, face obstacles that seem impossible, and need someone who believes in her. Now, she’s becoming that person for others.
As an expert tour guide for our partnership, Gloria brings something irreplaceable: an authentic connection. She doesn’t just know the trails and the wildlife; she knows the stories behind every village, the struggles of every family, the dreams of every child. When she speaks about this community, she speaks from lived experience. When she advocates for change, it’s personal.
I am honored that Gloria will be my protégé. I am committed to mentoring her and honing her skills so she can reach her full potential. Gloria represents the very best of what sustainable tourism can be: local voices leading, local stories being told, and local futures being shaped by those who understand them best. Her story is proof that when opportunity meets determination, resilience becomes leadership.
Gloria’s story is proof that when opportunity meets determination, resilience becomes leadership, and a single life can inspire an entire community. She is not just a guide; she is a bridge between worlds, a testament to what’s possible, and a leader in the making.
