Kristel Morel Manalang is twelve years old. While Kristel wishes to be a nurse or a teacher in the future, she believes that this will only be possible if she keeps a personal goal on finishing her education. In 2012 Kristel finished seventh in her class. She hopes to maintain this academic standing by being consistent and disciplined in her studies. During her free time, Kristel plays badminton with her friends. She loves reading fairy tales.

Kumari writes: "My name is Kumari Magar. I live in Bhaktapur, Nepal at the New Youth Children Development Society. I have lived here since I was 8 years old and I am now 18. I don't remember much before coming to NYCDS but I have two younger brothers who also live here. There are children at NYCDS and they have been my family for the past 10 years. "Most of the children are much younger than me and I have many jobs and help look after them when I am not studying. Experience helping to look after so many children means when I grow up I want to be a social worker and continue to help poor people in my whole life if I can. "I feel very lucky to have such a wonderful family here and would be extremely grateful for the opportunity that scholarship would give me in helping me to achieve my goals and to make a bright future of mind."

Ruth shows a wisdom and maturity far beyond her age. At age 13, she has already planned that "after University, [she will] give community lectures to teach the importance of medical care, and to reach these goals we'll need to have the support of both the community and the government." Ruth plans on becoming a nurse, though speaks about her dreams with great humility, accrediting her motivation and success thus far to her seven siblings, writing that "[they] give her the strength to move forward and achieve her dreams." We are so glad to have gotten to know and support Ruth.

Matilda lives with her mother, three younger sisters, and two younger brothers inside the small hair shop that her mother runs. Her father is imprisoned. Matilda has been in and out of Ghanaian public schools due to financial troubles so she has enrolled at Mawuvio's School. She often helps her mother in the shop and enjoys playing "ampe" and helping her school teachers as well.

Growing up as the daughter of a nurse, Kulwa was motivated to study hard in school because she saw her mother helping so many people recover from illnesses and give birth at the rural clinic. She wants to be a lawyer so she can help people to protect their rights.

Mwadi lives at an orphanage where she loves to ride her bike and read story books. Her favorite book is a fantasy story called "Adventure." Mwadi likes going to school, especially to attend class with her favorite teacher, Mr. Erik.

Mwanhawa has a special place at Ummu Salama. Orphaned at a young age, Mwanahwa lived on the streets before arriving at the orphanage where she now lives. It is not difficult for Mwanhawa to speak to adults and her peers,also she is wonderfully expressive in writing. Teachers have seen a lot of growth in Mwanhawa since she first came to Ummu Salama.mwanhawa like to share ideas with different people in the world.

I am my mother’s first child and I never knew my father. When I was 4, I was sent to stay with my grandmother. Mom worked day and night but still not able to afford school fees. Mother remarried and had two sons. My step daddy was a new hope for the family but he died. We were always financially unstable, but with his death it has become horrible. Despite the hard life, I always cherish the moments I spent with my step daddy simply because I know how it felt to have a daddy by my side. I want to become a doctor and support my family. I never knew how to hit this target until the coming of TSF, I saw light. I would like a university education. I was proud when TSF selected me for a scholarship, it made me feel special to be chosen out of many.