Dear Jacinta,
Today, October 20, 2025, I was able to make the final payment for your 2026 tuition, so as I understand it, you will be able to graduate next year. I read that you have been enjoying art and got to show some of your work in the school show. Congratulations! Yesterday I played a concert with four piano concertos performed by four pianists who were not full time professional concert pianists but people who loved playing, were good enough to be professional pianists but chose instead to find jobs in the business world to make money. They continued to be active musicians. I think sometimes doing any of the arts seems impractical. You love art but people are skeptical or even laugh if you want to become a professional. This is nonsense. Continue to love making art and it does not need to be a livelihood. But doing it because you love it is terribly important. It keeps us human.


Congratulations and best of luck with form four. I am proud of you!

This is Barbara Creider. Today, October 17, I made the final payment on your Form Four tuition for 2026. Give my greetings to your grandparents and know that you will be able to graduate next year. Best of luck and may God bless you;

Hey Melissa,
I'm soo glad that you replied back .
I am also on Instagram but I don't usually visit my account.I love Tik Tok soo much because it is a pool of fun and comedy.
I will be home for two months only.There has been a nationwide strike conducted and organised by lecturers all over the country ,so many students are not able to access classes.The lecturers aren't willing to go back for teaching unless the government pays them a debt of 7.9 billion which the government promised them and never paid them and now they are demanding it .There has been a Cholera outbreak in some parts of the country which has fataly killed about 45 citizens and others are still in hospitals getting treatment.
I'm very happy to have a good friend like you who always checks on me from abroad.
When you go to any school around your place greet all the students and tell them I love them soo much .Maybe one day I'll be teaching in USA and meet some of them.
I also send warm greetings to your family through you.Greet your brother and tell him I'm also a teacher and love doing some math.

I would also like to teach you a Swahili greeting called "Jambo" - you can use it in the place of hello.Hope you will get to know it soon.
I will be very happy to see you physically one day in my life .
Regards ,
Emma.

Dear Emma,
I am sorry to hear that you might have to withdraw from university for a semester. I hope that you will be able to return, especially if the faculty return soon as well.
Yes, Charlie Kirk's wife, Erika, hugged Donald Trump at her husband's funeral service. Charlie's assassination is a tragedy, both for Erika and their two children, but also for our country. He was a man who truly embodied openness and free speech. He was willing to talk to anyone who wanted to debate him, and he was kind in the process.
I am not on TikTok, so I don't know anything about the channel you mentioned. I look at Instagram about once a week, to see what my friends have posted.
Your grandmother must love you very much. :)
Stay in touch,
Melissa

𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐦 ,,𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐦.

Hi Melissa,,
How is your place?I'm happy to hear that your father was a lecturer and your brother is a Math teacher.
I would like you to be my very best friend to share my ideas and stories.
I am very happy to be the first person in my village to join university.My grandmother loves me soo much ,she sold her cow when I got very high grades to join university.My grandmother never went to school,my mother is a primary school drop out,In my life i have never seen my biological father.
I am very disappointed this evening my mom has told me that there's no more money to fund my university fees.I am trying my best to seek for help before I decide to apply for semester off.
In Kenya ,,the lecturers are on strike since they have not recieved capitation from the government.This is the third week so we are not attending classes.
This semester I am taking swimming as one of my courses,Rugby and Athletics.Our university has a swimming pool.I'm soo happy since ever since I was born last week but two was my first day in a swimming pool,its soo cool though.
Thanks Melissa for being my good friend.I follow a channel on Tik Tok called USA today and I like it.I heard a story about Charlie Kirk and I saw her wife hugging president Donald Trump.Is it true?I would like to hear more from you.
Regards ,
Emma Syongwa.

Lovely picture of Peris from our recent trip:

Lovely pictures of Pauline from our recent trip:

Hello donors,
I am well and good it is my hope that you are also fine.our term two holiday has come to an end and i thank the almighty for taking us through. My holiday has been nice as i spent it on various activities.
Through the holiday, we have held so many camps in our church which was so fun because i enjoyed travelling which is among my
hobbies.
Thank you for your support in paying my school fees. May you all be blessed.

MY JOURNEY IN ARCHITECTURE

Hello Friends 👋 ,

I often say that architecture chose me long before I admitted it. As a child, I had dreamed fiercely of medicine-wearing the white coat, saving lives, and carrying the noble responsibility of healing. That dream guided me for years, and to the outside world, it remained intact. But in truth, something shifted in me while I was in Form 2.

It was then that I first encountered design not just as drawing or art, but as a language of possibility. I began to notice buildings, spaces, and the way people interacted with them. I realized that just as medicine heals the body, architecture can heal the mind and spirit. This realization struck me powerfully, but quietly-I never told anyone. Outwardly, I was still the boy who wanted to be a doctor. Inwardly, however, I had already begun to dream of becoming an architect.

Entering University

When I finally joined university, I carried this secret passion with me, and stepping into the world of architecture felt like setting down a burden I had carried in silence for years. For the first time, I could openly pursue what I had always felt deep inside.

The studios, the sketches, the models-all of it awakened me. Architecture was no longer an abstract dream; it was a living journey. I was learning to think with both discipline and imagination, to see the built environment as something alive.

Discovering Myself in Design

Each semester shaped me in new ways. From the struggle of my first design projects to the pride of creating models that captured ideas, I began to grow not only as a student but as a person. I realized that design was not about drawing pretty buildings—it was about problem-solving, empathy, and vision. My passion grew fierce, sharper than my childhood desire for medicine, because it was authentic to who I had become.

Challenges Along the Way

There were moments of doubt, long nights in studio, and critiques that stung. But architecture taught me resilience. It demanded patience, sacrifice, and humility. Slowly, I came to see these struggles not as obstacles, but as the very process of becoming.

My Calling

Looking back, I no longer regret letting go of medicine. That dream belonged to a younger version of me, but what stayed constant was the desire to serve humanity. Today, I wear no white coat, but I carry sketches, plans, and models that breathe life into spaces. Architecture has become my way of healing—healing communities through design, creating spaces that inspire, protect, and endure.

This is not just a career path; it is my calling. From the quiet moment in Form 2 when I first dared to dream differently, to the long hours in university studios, I have been on a journey of self-discovery, passion, and purpose. And this journey continues—fierce, relentless, and full of possibility.

Thank you,
archalbomk@gmail.com

CeCe wanted to say hi to everyone (taken during recent 2025 trip to Eldoret, Kenya) :)

During a recent trip to Eldoret, Beyond Fistula's founder Debbie Matityahu was able to hear that Cecilenza's 2025 school year was going "well. She is a quieter girl but very sweet, helpful and loves to be at school learning everything!"

During a recent trip to Eldoret, Beyond Fistula's founder Debbie Matityahu was able to hear that Aaron's 2025 school year was going "well. He is one of the younger students and is quite expressive and always volunteering with lots of energy!"

During a recent trip to Eldoret, Beyond Fistula's founder Debbie Matityahu was able to hear that Peris's 2025 school year was going "very well, she is moving along is school grades well and is very smart and always happy to be learning!"

During a recent trip to Eldoret, Beyond Fistula's founder Debbie Matityahu was able to hear that Marina's 2025 school year was going "very well, she is very sweet and always helpful to her teachers and fellow students."

During a recent trip to Eldoret, Beyond Fistula's founder Debbie Matityahu was able to hear that Brian's 2025 school year was going "well, he is one of our younger students and has been looking forward to attending this school for a long time."

During a recent trip to Eldoret, Beyond Fistula's founder Debbie Matityahu was able to hear that NiveaSharon's 2025 school year was going "very well, she is excited to graduate soon!"

During a recent trip to Eldoret, Beyond Fistula's founder Debbie Matityahu was able to hear that Pauline's 2025 school year was going "very well! she is a very serious student and doing very well in her classes."

During a recent trip to Eldoret, Beyond Fistula's founder Debbie Matityahu was able to hear that Emmanuel's 2025 school year was going " well. He is becoming a good role model around the Beyond Fistula House."

During a recent trip to Eldoret, Beyond Fistula's founder Debbie Matityahu was able to hear that Kelvin's 2025 school year was going "well, he is learning a lot and doing is homework more independently when at the Beyond Fistula House."

During a recent trip to Eldoret, Beyond Fistula's founder Debbie Matityahu was able to hear t hat Nivea's 2025 school year was going "very well, she is very engaged in all her classes and learning!"

Dear Emmaculate,
Thank you for writing to update us on your educational journey. Your trip to the Rift Valley sounds very exciting. Many years ago, I visited the Masai Mara which is also part of the Rift Valley, I believe. I enjoyed our photo safari at that time.
I hope you enjoy your school break until 26 August. For me, I've already started school again!
Best wishes, Wayne

Hello Donors,
I am doing well and I hope that you are doing well too. Academic life at school was nice and generally, life at school was really nice. We have covered the last half of the term and it was nice. On the closing day, the school held the annual prize giving day for the awarding of the last year`s KCSE candidates who had performed very well in their exam.
In the beginning of this August holiday, we went for a Geography trip to the Rift valley. We had great fun during the trip and we really learned a lot. The activities that we did during the trip were really fun though some of them such as hiking on mountains were tiresome. That was the best trip that I have ever had and I will really long for it.
Right now, summer has began and the cold season of July is over. We closed school on 31st July and we will be going back to school on 26th August.
Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to you for your continued support of contributing towards my school fees payment. May the Almighty shower His blessings upon you. Goodbye!

Hello Sharon,
Its my great pleasure to write back to you. I am doing well and I hope that you are doing well too. We are now back home for the August holiday. The last half of the term was nice and generally,life at school was nice. I did not participate in the STEM competitions or the drama club because I am not a member of the of the two but of the Wildlife club. The book that you are reading seems to be really interesting. I also like reading books for pleasure so as to avoid getting bored.
I promise that I will be borrowing a book from the Kenya Connect library and read it every day during this holiday.
The career fair was scheduled to happen today at Kenya connect and so far we have learnt about the different careers, the subjects needed for the different careers and that your destiny is not determined by your background. I am really inspired by the speakers and I am grateful to Kenya Connect for organising this.
Goodbye and take care too!

Hello donors,

I am back from school for a holiday of 3 weeks after terminating the second term of 2025 school calendar.
I am quite grateful for your endured support all through my high school journey. Since the beginning of this year you have supported me and I`m really thankful for that.
The second term was a success to our school. We took part in different activities both in curricular and co-curricular and the results of both performances were good. In games we competed to the Regionals in both soccer and basketball and we are grateful for that. In studies I am really trying my best to improve since it is my main hope in the future. Currently am trying my best in preparation for the national examination in November come this year.
I really appreciate your continued support for all through this year. May our Great and Mighty God bless you abundantly.
May you have the best of this summer holiday.
Goodbye

Hello donors,
How are you doing? I hope you are doing well and that is my great pleasure. On my side I am academically doing well and also personally good.

I am hereby writing to inform you that we have just closed the school for about three weeks and resume on 26th August, 2025. I am proud to inform you that this is my last holiday in secondary school and I am really utilising it well to be of benefit in my academics.

I am visiting The Kenya Connect Library to get revision materials from there. I am also working hard as I look forward to my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E) exam which will enable me to proceed to the next level of education.

May Almighty God bless you all for the support of school fees that that you give towards my education.

Hello Wayne,
How are you doing there? I hope you are doing well and thus my pleasure. It is good to hear that you like visiting library as I do and thus really great.

Thanks for the good wishes and I promise that I will do my best .

Bye.

Hi donors, I hope you are fine and on my side I am fine.I take this opportunity to thank you for your support that you have offered to me. This has made me to read with no worries of being sent home for school fees.This is also helping me improve my grades.We have been given a holiday of three weeks and I will be helping my
parents at home.
I am happy because during this holiday, i will have enough time to stay with my siblings and my parents and i also attend library and continue revising so as to improve my performance.
Pass my greetings to your families and have a nice time. May you be blessed beyond boundaries.
Good bye!

Hello Henry,
How are you doing there? Thank you for reaching out. It is true that in my country we no longer use the plastic bags.

Through organic chemistry, we learn that plastic bags are made from polyethylene, a process known as polymerisation. We know that plastic bags are non-biodegradable thus causing pollution to the environment.

This pollution to the surrounding has a lot of effects to the living things. Plastic waste was allover and that is why Our government went ahead and banned the use of plastic bags in Kenya. Through this, our country now looks clean and conducive for someone to live.

Thanks Henry for the good comments about my country and you are most welcomed to Kenya to come and enjoy the conducive environment.

Bye

Dear Syongwa - what a great surprise to hear from you this morning! I am happy to hear that you are studying to become a teacher. My mother, father, brother, and I have all spent time teaching (my dad taught at Vanderbilt University for 34 years; my brother teaches math at Harpeth Hall School, in his 38th year!).
I hope you enjoy your field of study and that you are learning a lot. You have chosen two very interesting topics -- Biology is fascinating; Physical Education means you might become a coach, which would be a rewarding way to mentor and encourage young people.
I am glad to know that you exist, even if we are separated by half a world. Maybe, by some miracle, we will meet in person some day!
With love,
Melissa

Hi Melissa,
Hope you are doing good.Its quite unfortunate that I did not write to you on time.I am really sorry.
I am taking a course known as bachelor of education taking Biology and Physical Education as my two teaching subjects.
Thank you soo much for wishing me a good time and happy moments at school.It is such a blessing to have a good friend like you who always cares about my existence and I would like to meet you in some time of my life.
Byee and thank you soo much Melissa.

Hi donors,
I am happy to take this chance to appreciate your good deeds in my life.About the term it was so nice.Everyone was busy to reach the peak of his goal.Besides curriculum activities,there was also co-curriculum activities.Our football team proceeded to county level where the were defeated by all teams. We have anew principal. We did our exams and I passed with flying colours. Thank you for your continued support in my education.
Thank You.

Hello donors,
How are you doing? I am fine and am doing well. I am now back for the August holiday from school. My gratitude goes out to you for facilitating my stay at school this term through your donations . I have managed to score a grade of B+ this term. Thank you for your support and I promise to do well in school.
Have a nice time.

Hi donors, I
I am fine and I hope you are fine too. I am happy to write this journal to thank you for the support that you have offered to me. I thank you because you have made me to read without any school fees challenges. Thank you for your generosity and ensuring that I am never sent home for school fees. We have been given a three weeks holiday break and I will be able to help my parents at home.I wish you all the best .Have a nice time.

Hello Emmaculate! It sounds like you've had a strong school year and it seems like your school has some exciting activities. Did you participate in the STEM competitions or the drama club?

Reading is essential to future success in all careers. Are you reading books for pleasure? I read every night. Right now I'm reading a book about a woman who owns a sheep farm in Vermont. It's really interesting and I'm learning how hard it is. She helps when they sheep give birth, in sheering their wool and overall management of the flock. It's something I knew very little about so I am learning a lot. I also like reading books that weave history with a story or a book with a mystery in it. Studies show that students who read for pleasure do better on exams and improve on critical thinking and creativity. During this break I encourage you to borrow a book from the Kenya Connect library and READ every day!

Are you going to the Kenya Connect Career Fair? I hope it's worthwhile.

It's summer in Maryland where I live. It's been very hot here. This weekend it got cooler which has been nice. Yesterday, I weeded my gardens and did some house cleaning.

Take care and keep working hard in school!

Hello Anna!

It was good to hear from you. It sounds like you had a strong term. I am very pleased to hear that you are reading. Reading for pleasure is essential to long term success and it opens your minds to so many new things. Right now I'm reading about a woman who raises sheep on a farm in Vermont in the U.S. I'm learning so much about how hard it is to run a successful sheep farm and how they sheer the sheep and care for them. It's something I knew very little about and the book opened up a new world to me. I read every day for fun on top of the reading I do for work.

Are you going to the Kenya Connect career fair? I think it will be helpful to show career opportunities.

It's summer in Maryland where I leave and very hot. I'm looking forward to cooler weather. Enjoy your school break and keep reading and writing. A journal is a great way to improve your writing and to share your thoughts.

Hi donors,
its being so long since I last wrote to you .Do not worry because I was just held in studies but now I have decided to write to you . I am good of health and I am doing great in school.
I wish to now appreciate your help through funding my education.We have closed schools and we will be opening for next term come the end of August.We will be helping our dear parents here at home while waiting for the opening date.
May the Lord's grace be upon all those that sponsor my education.May them be done to your generations in times of need.Wishing you a lovely August holiday.God bless you

Hi donors, I am glad to inform you I have come home for the end term holidays.The previous term has been a very busy term in academics since I was dedicated towards achieving my set goals.I am looking forward to having an enjoyable holiday where I will engage myself in assisting my parents at home and also doing holiday assignments.
Thank you for donating towards my school fees and may you never lack.

Hello Jeanne,
I hope you are fine.I promise to work harder on my studies.I wish you all the best and thank you for your generosity.

Hello friends,
I hope you are fine.As for me, I am fine and working hard on my studies.While at school ,I have joined a club which is all about acting and I have realised is somehow interesting. We have not given the club a name yet.
when I was at school ,I was able to score well due to your support which has enabled me to be at school. we have closed school for a three weeks holiday.
I appreciate for your support and may you be blessed such that you will never lack.Thank you.