Geoffrey Odur’s journey to greatness began with ten eggs and a handful of roasted groundnuts. As a Primary Four student, he sold them by the roadside, dreaming of a brighter future. One day, soldiers of General Tito Okello ate all ten eggs but paid him for only two. Many would have cried or given up—but Odur saw a lesson in resilience, determination, and problem-solving. That small moment planted the seeds for a life devoted to education, mentorship, and transformation.
In December 2012, Rev. Ebong asked Odur about his plans for a new school and its name. Odur requested two weeks to prepare a proposal. During that time, he named it “Mentor”, reflecting the school’s mission: to guide, nurture, and inspire learners to achieve their fullest potential.
With vision in hand, Odur began mobilizing funds and teachers. A parent’s generous contribution of UGX 5 million enabled him to launch the school with flyers and radio adverts. In 2013, Mentor School opened its doors to 114 students, initially admitting Senior One, Two, and Five. The school quickly gained popularity, with enrollment rising to 290 students by the following year.
Odur personally taught and mentored students, instilling in them not just knowledge, but discipline, perseverance, and ambition. During the first Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams, 34 candidates sat for the exams, with 8 passing in first grade, earning Mentor fifth place in Lira District. Word of the school’s quality spread, attracting more students and strengthening trust within the community.
Over the next 12 years, Mentor expanded into three thriving campuses—Mentor Akwoyo (900 students), Mentor Gwengabara (800 students), and St. Mary Magalene, a girls-only campus (300 students). Today, the school serves 2,000 students and employs 198 staff, with no salary arrears. Mentor is recognized among the best employers in northern Uganda, earning a trophy from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) for its commitment to staff welfare.
Mentor School’s alumni have achieved remarkable success. Ocen Victor became the overall best student at Mbarara University, and currently, 16 former students are studying abroad on Ministry of Education scholarships. These achievements are proof that Odur’s vision for mentorship and excellence is shaping the next generation of leaders.
Odur shared his story at the graduation of 34 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) trained under the Uganda Development Bank’s Enterprise Development Program (EDP). He encouraged young entrepreneurs to start small, dream big, and remain resilient, reminding them that challenges are stepping stones to success.
“If you have a business mind, you can start with any small capital,” he said, recalling his childhood ventures. “One time, soldiers ate all ten of my eggs but only paid me for two. I was disappointed, but I learned a lesson I have carried through life.”
Odur’s message is simple but powerful: resilience, creativity, and mentorship can turn humble beginnings into extraordinary achievements.
From selling eggs on a roadside to transforming thousands of lives through Mentor School, Odur’s story is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and the courage to make a difference.
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