Together we've funded 1514 students and counting.
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.
Padre excelled in primary school and was ranked number four in his class. However, with six children to take care of, his family struggles to make ends meet. There are very few resources at home and they often do not have enough food to feed their children. Since none of Padre’s older siblings had the opportunity to go to secondary school, he hopes to be the first in his family to graduate so that he can give back to his family and his community.
Shy but energetic, Naleku is determined to continue her studies. As a child, she rolled into a fire while napping and suffered from burns on her face. But, despite this incident, Naleku radiates positive energy and interacts confidently with her peers, both in the classroom and on the sports fields. Before passing away several years ago, Naleku’s father had six wives and many children. Naleku will be the first of her mother’s children to attend secondary school as her mother was unable to afford school fees for Naleku’s older brothers
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!
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.
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.
Active and confident, Lucia 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. Lucia hopes to become the first person in her family to complete secondary school and fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse in her community.
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.
A quiet leader, Papaa is initially shy but often steps up to take the initiative and motivate his peers. He is curious and calm, and his determination to continue his education is unwavering. Pappa is a natural athlete, and most enjoys playing football and dancing. To support their three children, Papaa’s father works as an accountant and his mother works as a primary school teacher.
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.
Ruben is a humorous and expressive young man who is eager to help and encourage others. He likes to study English and Swahili, and he hopes to use his passion for helping others by one day becoming a teacher. Ruben comes to Orkeeswa School on the weekends to play basketball with friends. His father has two wives, and works and lives in Arusha with his other wife. He comes home to see Ruben and his mother two days a week. RubenÕs mother is very supportive of him continuing his education, but lacks the means to cover his school fees.
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.
Having grown up with her siblings and cousins under one roof after the passing of her uncle, Sarah knows the importance of family and kindness. Sarah is confident and well-spoken, and she is always ready to lend a helping-hand to others. As a true helper and lover of Biology, Sarah hopes to continue to take care of others by becoming a nurse.
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.