Carolyne is the third born child in a family of six. Two of her sisters have been sick since childhood they have never been enrolled in school due to their health conditions. Carolyne's father is a casual laborer while the mother stays at home to take care of the sick children. The medical treatment of the children has depleted all the family resources and they have to depend on the mercy of well-wishers. Carolyne has faced many challenges. Many times she slept hungry without food but was always looking forward to being in school as there was a free lunch served (thanks to the school feeding program supported by a charity organization). Carolyne was determined and worked hard and excelled. Carolyne wants to be a doctor in future to treat people whom suffering (just like her two sisters) and improve the health of the people in Kenya.

Zeyna is the firstborn child in a family of three. Her parents are unemployed and depend on subsistence farming, which has adversely been affected by frequent droughts. Zeyna is a brilliant young girl who is determined to achieve her goals despite the many challenges she has been going through. Her dream to become a journalist has been her driving force. She has been concerned about many cases happening in the rural areas with no one to report to the world. For her education is an eye opener.

Father and mother died, and he stays with his grandfather. He has one sister and one brother

Brenda lives with her mother and two older siblings. Her mother struggles to support them through her low-paid work. She started to learn to play the violin in her primary school and is now continuing to have lessons through the Condor Trust. She loves playing the violin and would like to become a great violinist.

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.

Bredah is an outgoing girl who is determined to excel in life despite all odds. She is the third born child in a family of six. Her parents are poor and only does casual jobs to cater for their big family. In school Bredah would get ridiculed by fellow students since her uniform was torn and her parents could not afford to buy her a new one. Despite missing many school days due to school levies, Bredah worked tirelessly to emerge among the best students in her school. Her dream is to become a nurse in future to help many patients who suffer in hospitals due to lack of good care. Bredah believes that hard work never goes unrewarded.

Shiela’s parents are unemployed and cannot support her, her four siblings, and three grandparents who live with them. She needs help paying for her school fees and pursuing her dream of becoming a banker someday.

Life has been so tough for our family after the demise of my father, but I'll always thank my mother who worked hard to make sure that my siblings and I get our daily bread. Coming from a family of five and being the oldest I worked so hard in my primary school level and managed to score a total of 391 marks (Three Bells Primary), which secured me a chance with a national school (Kisii High School). At school I have remained focused to make sure that I achieve my dreams and goals of becoming an aeronautical engineer, without forgetting my interests in scouting and athletics. With great support from Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), I am really thankful to them for coming to my rescue when I really needed help and funding for my education. Something that my single parent wouldn't have managed even with the additional 1000 shilling that come from my aunt. I'll always be thankful to Shofco and TSF for the great support they've given me and I promise that I will work hard in school and make an impact in our community.

Jobless, poor and they need support.