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.

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.

My parents separated a long time ago and I have not seen either of them for two years now. I live with my grandparents and with my brother and sister. My grandfather owns one donkey and one cow, so we do not have very much money. My grandfather is also sick so my grandmother has a temporary job and this is where we get all of our money. Sometimes we have a hard time getting by on just that money. I finished primary school and I knew that I liked mathematics and history the best. I also like playing sports like netball.

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

Eline’s family works hard on their subsistence farm to make ends meet, but often lack the additional resources to pay for school fees. Eline has two siblings: a younger brother and an older sister. While attending secondary school in Form IV, Eline’s sister became pregnant. Eline’s family supported her through the pregnancy and now, Eline’s sister is back attending secondary school. Eline and her siblings are very thankful that their family supports their education despite obstacles. Eline is very close with her family and hopes to create a new future for them through her secondary education.

Ndajiri is a bright and driven young woman who dreams of reaching her goals. She loves to study math and play netball. Ndajiri is determined to be successful in her education so she can one day become the Headmaster of Orkeeswa. She lives with her mother, father, grandmother and five younger siblings. Ndajiri’s grandmother is the biggest advocate for her education and deeply supports her pursuit. Her mother and father are unable to provide for Ndajiri’s school fees.

Self-assured and active, Einoti is a dedicated student with a great sense of humor. She confidently leads her peers in group discussions, and she consistently brings a positive attitude and discipline to the classroom. Einoti is one of six children, and she will be the first girl in her family to attend secondary school. Her father is a security guard and her mother sells maize at the market, but the family often struggles to make ends meet as they also support Einoti’s grandmother and other extended family members.

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.

Among the youngest in her class, Elizabeth is a motivated, confident young woman. The first in her family to attend secondary school, Elizabeth is already bringing her education to her family, as she regularly tutors her younger sister at home, in addition to helping with her regular daily chores. Curious and witty, Elizabeth loves participating in hands-on science projects and performing in the school’s choir, dance and drama groups. Elizabeth’s parents are young and very supportive of Elizabeth’s education, but lack the means to support her with school fees and other basic expenses.