SHOFCO

I am a student at Moi Girls School in Vihiga County of Western Kenya. Previously, I attended Ayany Primary School. I have had some challenges since starting high school, and it was difficult to make friends. I am working hard in school and improved in my weakest subject. I got the chance to be on the volleyball team at school. This scholarhsip program is the reason I have been in school, because my family is not able to provide the school fees otherwise. I am very thankful for this opportunity.

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.

"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."

Josephine is a driven and dedicated student. She aims to perform well in secondary school so that she continue her studies at Kenyatta University. While at university, she wants to study education and theology, and she dreams of someday being a journalist. She also would like to own a children's home for babies two years and under so that she can give back to them and help them grow the same way that her mother did for her. Her mother owns her own business and Josephine is inspired by her mother's hard work and success.

"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."

Clinton’s mother works as a casual laborer, and she has struggled to pay all the family’s expenses. He was sometimes sent home for lack of school fees. Clinton dreams of having a better future, and believes he can achieve this dream through becoming a pilot. He not only wishes to see different parts of the world, but he also hopes that by securing a decent living, he can support his siblings and his mother.