Godfrey Daniel Saitoti, 25, is one of the kindest souls you will ever meet. (Click HERE or on the video above to hear his message to Unite and all of his supporters.) His tremendous spirit, inspirational faith and clever mind defy his small frame. As a young boy, Godfrey lost his parents and in 2000 he was taken in by Sister Crispina Mnate to grow up in shortly thereafter became her St. Joseph's Orphans Center (SJO). Godfrey is now one of the oldest orphans living at SJO with his 47 brothers and sister, ages 1-24. Godfrey's dream has always been to become a doctor and help save lives. We are thrilled to report that he is well on his way!
In Tanzania, the government assigns students who have passed their A levels and performed well on the national exam a place in any given university. The government decided Godfrey should be an engineer and placed him accordingly. Godfrey was devastated as his dream was to become a doctor. With the support of Unite and a number of generous sponsors, Godfrey applied for and enrolled in a 5-year medicine and surgery program at Kampala International University in Uganda.
In August, Godfrey will start his 3rd year. We are so proud of this extraordinary young man who has overcome tremendous odds and hardships and yet still is happy and performing well. Godfrey enjoys the fact that so many of his fellow students come from all around the world. In fact, his best friend at medical school is from Cuba! Grades at Kampala are pass/fail, and we are grateful to report that he is passing! Godfrey tends to be a solitary student but he reaches out to others for help if and when needed. And to avoid the distractions of a busy library, Godfrey will wake long before dawn and/or study into the wee hours of the morning. Godfrey’s classes (listed favorite to least favorite) are Anatomy, Physiology, Immunology, Microbiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology.
We were so lucky to see Godfrey this past month in Tanzania as he was home for a school break. Unfortunately, he had surgery for appendicitis just before we arrived; however, he was healing well and will soon start an internship for July shadowing the surgeon who did his operation!
To learn more about Godfrey, email anne@uniteafricafoundation.org.
Unite Founder & Director Anne Wells with Sister Crispina Mnate and Godfrey at St. Joseph's Orphans Center.
Godfrey, left, in his doctor's coat with two colleagues at Kampala University.