Cadeth lives with his father, his father’s two wives and their many children. Cadeth is the oldest of his immediate siblings, and the first in his family to attend secondary school. Cadeth’s parents are farmers and support their families with their small subsistence farm and a few animals. Cadeth’s father also takes small jobs for extra money, such as driving a taxi motorbike.

Husna is a bright and hardworking student, both academically and in sports. Husna is a member of the Tanzanian National Junior Girls' Basketball team, and has been known to say "Basketball is life." Husna was the first of her family to receive a secondary education, and she has made the most of this opportunity. Now, Husna spends her free time mentoring local primary students on the weekends in order to give back to her community.

Al-Mukhusin is a bright student who shows initiative. He lets his personality shine in the classroom and in drama. Math is his favorite subject, and he hopes to study to become a doctor in the future. Al-Mukhusin is the second oldest of his family, and his older brother attends secondary school elsewhere. His father is an entrepreneur in Monduli, and his mother tends sheep. He looks up to his older brother for direction in his education and values his support and encouragement. Al-MukhusinÕs family is supportive of his education, but is not able to provide for his school fees.

Active and confident, Amina is a determined young woman who is very committed to her studies. In the classroom, she is a strong listener and a thoughtful student, crafting her answers and defending her points well. Smiley and curious, she asks questions frequently and is a leader amongst her peers. Amina lives with her step-mother and her father, who is a driver for Orkeeswa school.

Quiet and curious, Paulina enjoys exploring her interests in geography and english class with a steadfast determination. As the oldest in her family, Paulina serves as a stellar example to her younger siblings. She can often be found studying with her friends, and she hopes to become a member of parliament and help build more durable homes in her community after graduation.

Quiet and reserved, Namelock shines when she is completing group work with friends outside of class, or playing soccer during break time at school. Namelock is a bright young leader who fully believes in the value of education, and hopes to use her education at Orkeeswa School to make a difference in her community. While her parents are supportive of her education, they lack the means necessary to pay for her school fees.

An incredibly eager and sweet young man, Kishumu is anxious to continue his education. He loves to study math and hopes to share his joy for learning as a teacher in the future. Kishumu has nine beehives that he tends himself to help support his family. His father moved away, leaving Kishumu to live with his mother and siblings. His older brother failed primary school, so Kishumu will be the first of five children to attend secondary school. His mother is unable to cover his school fees, but is supportive of his education.

Day in and day out, Namnyak is always smiling. The oldest in a large family, Namnyak has many responsibilities beyond her studies: taking care of her younger siblings, collecting firewood, fetching water, working on the farm, cooking for her family and washing clothes are just a few. Her parents are subsistence farmers; they grow maize and beans and keep a few animals to support their family. She has to walk several hours to and from school each day as she lives in one of the farthest villages. However, Namnyak never complains about all these responsibilities! She is a engaged student, kind friend to all, and a hard worker. She loves to study biology and dreams of becoming a nurse: "I love biology because it will help me become a nurse one day. If I study cells and viruses I will know what is making someone sick, and what causes diseases. I want to become a nurse so I can help my community to be healthy." With her work ethic and caring nature, we know Namnyak will be a natural for the job.

Neema came to Orkeeswa School with an appetite for knowledge and success that was born from a difficult upbringing. Neema's father passed away when she was young, and her mother has experienced mental health issues that made it difficult for her to support her children. Her grandmother ensured Neema and her siblings got the care they needed, but she was worried she would not be able to send them to school. Despite earlier hardships, Neema has become a lively and cheerful student with a passion for drama and singing, and she will surely be a star in her community!