Falece was born in the city of Beira in 2002. He is a cheerful, intelligent and studious boy. During his free time, he enjoys playing football with friends, and helps his mother with the housework in the company of his siblings. His father passed away in 2004. His mother buys and resells fresh fish to make a living. Falece has 2 siblings who both attend Secondary school. The older brother studies at night because during the day he works as a domestic servant to help his mother with the expenses of the house and his studies. The family lives in a two-room block house with no running water or electricity.

We are seven in my family with my parents and my four siblings. I still love my family despite all the challenges we are facing and have hope that it is only a matter of time before we live a better life again. I had even lost hope of becoming an architect since there was no one to pay for my secondary education after I had scored 392/500 mark at Spurgeons Primary School. With my strong hopes and faith knowing that my God is always above everything, I am grateful for the scholarship which is a great gift offered to my family and the helpless children in the slums. I am pursuing my secondary school education at Mbita High School and I believe that this will enable me to realize my dreams. Lastly I have remained focused on my academics, never to disappoint my family and mostly Shining Hope for Communities for I know education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.

Fedelis is the last-born child in a family of three. He first sat for his primary education exam in 2018 and passed very well. His father could not afford to take him to secondary school and therefore he decided to repeat grade eight with the hope of getting a scholarship to pursue his goal. Fedelis attributes his success to his discipline and cooperation with teachers. He remains focused to achieve his goal of becoming an engineer in future to help his community. He believes that hard work never goes unrewarded.

Rosa was born in Sofala province. She is a very calm and a smiling girl. She loves to play with her friends of the same age. She is orphaned of father, who died in 2011, victim of illness. He used to do little jobs in the construction field. After her father's death, her mother abandoned the children and disappeared to an uncertain part until today. No one knows if she is alive or not. Rosa went to live with her uncle. His work is helping the fishermen pulling the nets. With the salary he earns, he is not able to sustain all the needs of his family. If the girl will not get support, she will have to stop studying.

I am a girl aged 13 years old, hard working and dedicated to my studies. I went to Olympic Primary School and managed to score 400 marks . I am staying with my family: father, mother and my three sisters. My father is a casual worker while my mother runs a small grocery kiosk. We live from hand to mouth due to low income from both my parents. I am a girl who believes that being poor is the state of mind and not permanent because good attitude and hard work can help change my life. While at work, my mother had her fellow group members talking about the scholarship from SHOFCO and then she helped me to apply. After confirmation that I was successful as one of the beneficiaries I am really thankful to the almighty God because He's great.

I am Mary Mochache of Olympic Primary School in Kibera in Nairobi. I am yet to sit for my K.C.P.E examination this year 2016. I am seeking this scholarship due to financial constraints in my family. My parents are both jobless and mere peasants who can't affords secondary school fees. When accorded this assistance I hope to be the best in academics. Therefore, I seek to be considered in such rare opportunities. In this time it is rare for girls to have such good opportunities to be recognized people in the society.

Jhonatan lives with his mother and two older brothers. His mother only has part-time work, and has to help out in the local market to try and get food. When he finishes school Jhonatan would like to be a motor mechanic. In his spare time, he enjoys riding his bike and listening to music.

Fabiana is from Patakancha, a rural community above Ollantaytambo, Peru, where she is currently a youth leader in her community church. Fabiana graduated high-school a couple of years ago and has been trying to save up to continue her studies, but until Mosqoy’s scholarship opportunity came along, she didn’t have the means to continue her education. Fabiana will be pursuing her dream of becoming a leader in her community - a new, grassroots community-based tourism hub in the Sacred Valley - by studying Hotel Administration at a post-secondary trade institute in Cusco. She will also study English as a second language, be part of a holistic community leadership curriculum at Casa Mosqoy, and will continue to learn about her beautiful Quechua textile tradition that is a mainstay of her hometown.

Luis lives with his mother, an older sister and two younger siblings. They live in a house with two rooms, a kitchen and bathroom. Their only income is his mother's irregular, low income. Luis is very keen on science and in his spare time likes to learn more about about it. At the moment, he is undecided whether a career as a doctor or as a mechanic attracts him most.