Kenya Education Fund

I was brought up in a single-parent family, headed by mom. I do not remember my father since he died when I was still very young. My mother works as a casual laborer in a neighboring tea plantation. She also has a part-time business to supplement her meagre earnings from the tea plucking. She brews local liquor, something which always puts her in trouble with the local administration. I admire her zeal though. I have the dreams of being a successful doctor. This gives me the drive to face each day positively, full of optimism of a better future.

I grew up seeing my father work on our small farm to provide for our family. He would also engage in other jobs to supplement this. However, things took a drastic turn when he fell ill and succumbed a few weeks later. This meant that my mother was now the breadwinner of the house, something that affected the family's income. Over the years, she has struggled to ensure that she gives us her best. My mother is a strong woman which makes me her greatest admirer. The much she has done for us is aimed towards securing us a better future. We bank our hopes on our education.

I was born to a family that is nomadic. However, after we lost most of our cattle to cattle rustling and famine, my parents resorted to burning charcoal as a means of livelihood. This means is unstable and has always put my family at greater financial risks. Also, most of the girls in my village are not so enthusiastic about education. They get married at an early age, something very much encouraged by the cultural practices around this place. I work hard everyday in school to be among the few girls who wish to break the ceiling. it is my belief that some day we will achieve this.

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.

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.

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.