Abdilahi is in his first year at Abaarso. He grew up in a house with two brothers and six sisters. His favorite subject at Abaarso is science, because he can see how it will help his future. He hopes to be a doctor, because he says that there are too many sick people in his country. Outside of class he plays basketball for fun, and spends his free time reading and doing homework.

Manuel is the second of five children. He lives with his mother, as his father has abandoned them. Manual couldn't go to school for two years because his mother couldn't afford it, so he is particularly happy to have the support of the Condor Trust and to be making up for lost time. He is a very responsible boy. His passion is playing the guitar. According to his mother he spends every moment he can practicing. His great dream at the moment is to go to Loja at Christmas. This is a town in the south of Ecuador where his grandparents live, and Manuel wants to play them some songs on his guitar.

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.

Candy Imali is the second of a single mother, she has an older sister who is in high school. She comes from a humble family which is curbed with lots of challenges which she endures daily. She lives in Kibera and she is working hard to be an aeronautical engineer when she clears high school. She is always willing and ready to learn.

She stays with her grandparents, who live in poverty.

Jamal was born in Sofala province. He is a very quiet and humble boy. Respectful and polite with all older people and a good friend to other children. When back from school he makes his homework and helps his grandfather, then he goes out to play football with his friends. He is orphaned of father who died in 2005, victim of illness. His father used to be a truck driver helper while his mother works in a nursery school. Jamal lives with his grandfather because with what his mother earns, she cannot sustain her son. The grandfather often helps her as well with rice from the field he is planting. Without help, he will not be able to proceed with his studies.

John's father died in 2011. at the time of his death, his father had been diagnosed with throat cancer and also kidney failure. HIs mother is a sells vegetables and it is this small business that supports the family of 10. He has 1 brother,younger and 8 sisters, all older. The eldest sister is studying accounts at a nearby college while the second born is married and dropped out of high school. Three of his sisters are in high school where the fees are paid for by well wishers and relatives. his younger brother is still in primary school. He had problems paying small fees required in primary school for lunch and exams. Before he came to Wema, John had to walk long distances to and from school and rarely had two meals a day. He is glad to be in boarding school, he no longer has to walk to and from school and he is guaranteed of three meals a day. " i would like to thank Wema for giving me the opportunity of an education without challenges that pull me down" -John.

Khadar is from Hargeisa, and grew up living in the same house as many siblings and cousins. He is one of three members of this family to attend Abaarso, and has sisters in grades 9 and 7. He and his sister first heard of Abaarso because one of their neighbors is an alum. When they saw the school's graduation on Somaliland television, their mother told Khadar and his sister that they should attend Abaarso. Khadar had a very successful 7th grade year at Abaarso, excelling in all subjects but showing particular talent in math. He looks forward to using his talents to one day make it easier for people like him to attend school.

Shubhash Gupta is a smart boy who focuses on his studies. He likes playing outdoor games to keep himself fit and healthy and likes to read story books. He lives with his 3 siblings in his house along with his grand parents. Shubhash's favorite class is science and someday he hopes to become a doctor.

Cabdiasiis comes from a family of four sisters and four brothers. His favorite subjects are English, science, math, and computers. Outside of class, Cabdiasiis enjoys playing soccer and reading books. What Cabdiasiis likes most about school are the teachers who come from different parts of the world to educate him and his peers. Enjoying school so much, Cabdiasiis likes to share what he has learned with his friends and to help them study. In the future, Cabdiasiis hopes to become president of his country so that he can help the poor.

Vishal is an athletic boy. He works hard both in studies and playing games. He likes playing games with his friends. He lives with his 4 siblings along with his grandparents. Someday, Vishal hopes to become a police officer.

Julius is the last-born child in a family of seven. He completed his primary level education in 2017 and could not proceed to secondary school since his parents could not afford school fees. ÊHis parents are casual laborers and due to their old age, the burden of taking care of the large family has overwhelmed them. Julius is determined to achieve his dreams. He loves math and is looking forward to be an accountant in the future. He believes that education is the only key for a prosperous future.

Vincent is a disciplined and intelligent boy. His dream to become an electrical engineer started early in life when he learnt the skills of radio repair from a neighbor. He developed great interest in repairing radios that had been thrown away. Out of his curiosity, he repaired his first broken radio for his uncle and it worked! Later he repaired yet another broken radio for his grandfather and it worked too! Vincent's good performance in school did not come on a silver platter. He was able to sacrifice his sleep by sleeping late and waking up very early to study. He also consulted his teachers much on subjects he felt he needed help. He believes that hard work pays. Vincent is the only son to his single mother. He currently lives with his grandparents. His grandfather has suffered stroke and has not been able to help provide for Vincent.

Leornad's father passed away and he does not know where his mother is. He stays with his unemployed grandmother. He does not have a grandfather. He has one brother and one sister.