Kenya Education Fund

I grew up in the hands of a single mother. We went through several challenges together but we have always managed. In 2014, we faced the most challenging part of the year. My mother was bedridden and I had to take care of her at the same time I had to prepare for the end year national examination. We mostly had to depend on the philanthropy of neighbors and a few relatives to survive. I have embraced this as part of life. I will not let it dim my spirit. The School Fund has extended an olive branch to me. A chance to redefine my life and come out of this mire.

I am the first born of seven children. I live with my aunt here in Nairobi. My parents are in the countryside and I came to Nairobi to search for a better education. Where I come from, not so many people take education very seriously. In fact, most girls get married at a very tender age. My sister and I were lucky to come and live in the city with our aunt. My aunt is so passionate about education. She does not earn much from her small business but really struggles to see we get a better education. She was able to secure me a scholarship during my time in primary school, but this ended when I graduated to high school. I am smart, compassionate and polite. I hope these three characters will help me be a good lawyer in future.

I am the first born of five children. We live with our mother who is unemployed. We get support from a relative who works as a security guard with one of the local security firms. He has his own family and this usually forces my mom to look for other odd jobs to supplement. i am in love with my books. I want to gain knowledge to help my younger siblings. They look up to me for inspiration and I would not wish to disappoint them. I also hope to influence my community in a positive way"

I come from a big family. I have nine other siblings. We are all taken care of by my father who at this point is not working/unemployed. My older siblings have attended/still attend not-very-good schools. I was to follow suit until The School Fund came to my rescue. This is a "first" in my family. This is a common situation in Kibera. I am among the lucky few from financially disadvantaged families to get support from well-wishers.

I am the last born of six children. We used to do well some time back. This suddenly changed when my mother and older sister lost their jobs, thanks to a sudden sickness that struck both of them at the same time. It was so harsh. My older brother was left with a huge burden of taking care of us. Given his level of education, he is not able to secure meaningful employment. Things have been rough since. One of the major concerns for me is my education. It is one the things I hold so dearly. I want the best for my family and this can only come with someone effecting a change and I believe that person might as well be me. The opportunity to join high school is a big step towards making this dream a reality.

My parents died when we were so young. My aunt took us in and she has been taking care of us since. She has a big family, plus she is a single mother. Her fish business can only cater for our meals. We have always depended on well-wishers for our education. I would want to improve the life of my family, especially my aunt's. She has done to us what no other person was willing to do. I am proud of her. The School Fund in partnership with Kenya Education Fund have given me a chance to reciprocate this kind gesture.