A Teacher Adopts a Kid Who Can’t Learn: Shana Marie Gilbert’s Journey with Jesca, a Former Ugandan Street Girl

NATIONWIDE - OCTOBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) When Shana Marie Gilbert, a veteran literature teacher, set out to produce her award-winning documentary, White Wanderer (aka Mzungu) in Kampala, Uganda (IMDb link), she had no idea that her life was about to change in the most unexpected way. While filming, Shana met Jesca, a small, abandoned street girl with a tragic past. What began as a fleeting encounter quickly turned into a life-altering decision that would shape both their futures.

It took Shana three long years to adopt Jesca, and because of malnutrition and the loss of her mom to street life, the deep scars of learning deficiencies had already taken root. Raising Jesca is the powerful memoir of how a teacher learned that adopting a child isn’t just about providing food and a home; it’s about providing the tools to unlock the potential within a child, regardless of their past.

A Teacher, A Street Kid, and a Life-Changing Decision

Shana’s journey with Jesca began not in the classroom but on the streets of Kampala. Jesca had been abandoned at the young age of two or three—street kids don’t have birthdays. She was being raised in a house full of 65 other street kids when one day, Shana, a very blond ‘mzungu’ lady (the Swahili word for white person) just showed up and moved in.  

Although Shana was a documentarian in Kampala trying to find her great story, she’s also a long-time high school literature teacher whose background gave her a different perspective. She knew that every child had the capacity to learn, grow, and thrive, even if their educational journey was a little different. Seeming more than coincidental, even Shana couldn’t have predicted how profoundly Jesca would change her life, and vice versa.

The Struggles of Adoption and the Joys of Teaching

Raising Jesca is a journey of growth, learning, and unwavering love. Shana’s initial challenge was not only raising a child who had experienced profound trauma but also finding a way to teach Jesca after years of neglect. The breakthrough came when they moved to Jakarta, Indonesia, seeking an international school where educators were skilled in teaching second and third-language students. Jesca’s teachers at Jakarta Intercultural School knew how to engage her brain differently, using poetry to break down language into manageable, rhythm-based pieces. This poetic approach allowed Jesca to connect with the rhythm, sounds, and storytelling, gradually rekindling her love for learning. Jesca began reading better, as stories in verse opened new doors in her education.

Despite Jesca’s struggles with short-term and long-term memory, making traditional methods like quizzes and tests challenging, Shana noticed Jesca had a remarkable ability to memorize and execute flawlessly her four routines for her gymnastics competitions throughout Southeast Asia, a sign that her memory was capable of so much more than initially believed. This insight led Shana to embrace Jesca’s strengths in other areas of learning, unlocking new paths to success. 

The Unseen Struggles of International Adoption

This memoir is not only for teachers and parents of internationally adopted children, but for anyone who has wondered what it’s like to raise a child from a completely different world — a world filled with street life, trauma, and unmet needs. Shana’s story highlights the cultural challenges and emotional struggles she faced as a white mother raising a brown-skinned daughter in a time of rising racial conversations. Her journey underscores the complexities of navigating adoption, identity, and the intersection of race and family, particularly when raising a child whose history profoundly shapes their ability to learn in traditional ways.

It’s a story about breaking down barriers and embracing unconventional learning paths. Shana re-started her own education at Columbia University, where she enrolled to better understand how to support Jesca’s learning, becoming an essential part of the story. She realized that she had to be both mother and student in order to help Jesca succeed. This dual role was at the heart of their relationship and their journey toward a successful education.

"Every Culture and Story is an Opportunity"

Shana’s philosophy is clear: “Every culture and lived story is an opportunity to react or transact, reflect or grow in confidence, all of it is the education, the development of our identity, our becoming.” This belief is at the core of Jesca’s transformation, not just in terms of her academic growth, but in the development of her identity and confidence.

By the time Shana and Jesca arrived in Highlands Ranch, CO at Valor Christian High School, Shana positioned herself as Jesca’s freshman English teacher, wondering if Jesca was ready for more powerful works like Maya Angelou (Waking in New York), Langston Hughes (I, Too), and Rowan Ricardo Phillips (Violins). The school’s Poetry Out Loud program, part of the National Endowment for the Arts, became a turning point for Jesca, allowing her to prove her abilities. In her first year, Jesca advanced to the school finals, won the Audience Choice Award, and earned $50. Proving to be the incentive she needed to try again the next year. Sophomore year arrived, Jesca’s confidence soared as she was now Class President and at majority white school as the foreigner with the impoverished past. This time, she competed again and won second place. However, when the student who won first place suddenly dropped out, Jesca stepped in, memorized a third poem, and went on to win the Colorado State Championship, representing her state at the National Finals in Washington, D.C. Jescagilbert.com/poetry.

Jesca’s success continues as she recently graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, and is currently doing Teach for America while also teaching Special Education K-2 at Hancock Park Elementary in the Los Angeles Unified School District, and pursuing her Master’s degree in Education. Jesca is passionate about passing on her love of learning to her struggling students, helping them see the greatness within themselves. 

Through Jesca’s journey, Shana learned that education is not about conformity; it’s about growth, understanding the context of each individual child’s life, and adapting the lessons to suit their unique needs. Jesca’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter where a child comes from, they can grow, learn, and become whoever they choose to be.

Raising Jesca: An Inspiring Memoir for Parents, Teachers, and Anyone Who Believes in Love

Raising Jesca isn’t just a memoir about adoption; it’s about so much more: Education, identity, and the unseen lessons that arise when two people from completely different backgrounds come together. It’s about how love, compassion, and a willingness to grow can break through barriers that seem insurmountable.

This book speaks directly to parents and teachers of internationally adopted children, but it’s also a call to action for anyone who believes in the power of love to transform lives. Shana’s journey with Jesca is a testament to the healing power of education and the unbreakable bonds of family.

A Special Thank You

I would be remiss not to give a heartfelt shout-out to Victoria Duerstock, the award-winning author of The Story of Good and the founder of End Game Press, for her unwavering belief in this project. Victoria’s guidance, support, and encouragement were pivotal in bringing Raising Jesca to life. As she so kindly put it:

“I’ve read numerous international adoption stories in my lifetime, but have never encountered one quite like this. Shane’s absolute commitment to following God’s heart and championing the cause of those less fortunate has required great personal sacrifice at times. Her adoption story and passion for finding solutions to problems is inspiring, as is her absolute devotion and love for her daughter, Jesca.”

Her insight and dedication to this project have been invaluable, and I am forever grateful for her role in making Raising Jesca a reality.

Where to Find Raising Jesca

You can learn more about Shana Marie Gilbert and Jesca’s extraordinary journey through the following platforms:

Amazon – Raising Jesca on Amazon 
Instagram – @raisingjesca
Production Company – EZK12 Books
Goodreads – Raising Jesca Goodreads 

Raising Jesca is a powerful reminder that every child has the capacity to learn and grow, no matter their background or their past. It’s a story of adoption, education, and unconditional love, showing us all the incredible transformation that can happen when we step into the unknown and embrace the beauty of growth,  for both children and parents alike.