SHOFCO

"I am currently not living a very good life, where at times i go without food. I would like to work hard so that I do not live the same life that I go through now. If I succeed I will become a doctor in the future, based on my hard work in the relevant subjects. I have always wanted to be a doctor, and I am working hard towards that. I believe that if I work hard and excel in my studies I will join the university. I then hope to give back to the community through teaching or offering voluntary services."

I'm Elvis Joseph Of Kibabi Boys High School. I joined the school from Redrose Primary School where I scored 369 marks on the KCPE. I am 14 years old and in Form One. My school is located in Bungoma county in Western Kenya. We did a test where I scored a B within the first three months at school. This was because the SHOFCO scholarship program enabled me to be in school. I have been raised by a single parent and life has been really harsh to us, from school fees, food, and paying the house rent plus providing for other siblings. My two elder sisters completed secondary school and could not go any further, they also have no jobs. I also lack most necessities at school and this has even made other students look down upon me and discriminate me as well. The teachers advise and motivate me and that is the reason I have always worked hard. I'm also proud of my friends who lost hope but I talked to them for encouragement. That to me was an achievement. I really appreciate the SHOFCO scholarship program.

"Despite the fact that I have completed primary school, my aunt has struggled to pay for my school fees. She knows that education is the key to success and I have respected her throughout my life. She found a good boarding school and I started there in Class 2. She manages to cater for my needs. My former school managed to also paid for my school fees since Class 2 and may God bless both of their kindness. I wish to become a chemical engineer and a prominent farmer. I wish to adhere to my dream and be prosperous in my talent in football and basketball. "

Deborah Nyaboke Nyakwara of Sironga Girls High School in Kisii, I am 14 years old and I am from the Kibera slum in Nairobi. My parents were unable to get the school fees and through the acces of the SHOFCO Scholarship program I managed to join the school. Still I could not get the boarding essentials and took too long at home waiting for my parents to purchase them. During this pandemic we are at home and the truth is that life is harder here than in school. Most times we go to bed without eating anything. We are also restricted in movement and my parents keep us indoors. We also lack facilitators who can help us as teenagers and encourage us to study than we used to be taught in school. I thank you for your support that reduces the burden on my parents.

I enjoy going for trips, swimming, and learning. When I grow up I want to be a doctor so I can treat many people in my community. My favorite subjects are languages, and science. This is because I enjoy doing the experiments and learning new vocabulary. I also enjoy STEM lessons because it deals with my favorite subjects in a fun way

"I believe that one day my dream of becoming a nurse will come to be true. What I like of nursing is that it involves caring and also being friendly since I am so friendly and I always love caring for others. I believe that I will make it in life. Since I am a hard-working girl, and with the grace of the Almighty God when I shall go on with my education and manage to prosper." Mercy has faced financial difficulties and has sometimes been sent home from school during primary school when her parents could not pay the fees. "What I like is that even through the hardship we are still united and we are happy. What I believe is that it doesn't matter the hardship, where you come from, what you do, but what is important is where you are heading to. I believe that through my studies I will be able to succeed in life."