Kenya Education Fund

Eugene lives with his aunt who sells French fries as a means of survival. His father died when he was young and his mother remarried but due to cultural restrictions, she was unable to take Eugene with her. This forced him to live with his aunt who has struggled to pay for his school fees. Eugene's aunt is very passionate about education and despite her meager income she goes out of her way to ensure all the children under her care get a better education. Eugene loves sports and has a strong affinity for computers. He aspires to be an expert in computers. However, the situation at home keeps dimming this bright dream.

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.

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.

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.

I am the only child of a single mother. She works as a casual laborer and this helps in putting food on our table. Secondary education in Kenya is very expensive and this would require extra source of income which is not available at the moment. We live in the slums of Kibera. This is the largest slum in Kenya and poverty rate is very high. I work hard in school with one ultimate goal, to break the cycle of poverty. They say education is the best way and I believe in this philosophy.

Am the only child under the care of my single mother. Both of us live in my grandmother's house. My mother does casual labor which helps in sustaining our family. I love her dedication and zeal to ensure that we get the best. However, she is sometimes overwhelmed but this never kills her spirit. I am so fond of her. I am talented academically and I also love performing arts. In 2014, I represented my school at the national level of drama competition. This gave me a chance to perform for the president at State House. It is one of those moments I revere.