IEFT / Orkeeswa School

Neema came to Orkeeswa School with an appetite for knowledge and success that was born from a difficult upbringing. Neema's father passed away when she was young, and her mother has experienced mental health issues that made it difficult for her to support her children. Her grandmother ensured Neema and her siblings got the care they needed, but she was worried she would not be able to send them to school. Despite earlier hardships, Neema has become a lively and cheerful student with a passion for drama and singing, and she will surely be a star in her community!

Al-Mukhusin is a bright student who shows initiative. He lets his personality shine in the classroom and in drama. Math is his favorite subject, and he hopes to study to become a doctor in the future. Al-Mukhusin is the second oldest of his family, and his older brother attends secondary school elsewhere. His father is an entrepreneur in Monduli, and his mother tends sheep. He looks up to his older brother for direction in his education and values his support and encouragement. Al-MukhusinÕs family is supportive of his education, but is not able to provide for his school fees.

Ruben is a humorous and expressive young man who is eager to help and encourage others. He likes to study English and Swahili, and he hopes to use his passion for helping others by one day becoming a teacher. Ruben comes to Orkeeswa School on the weekends to play basketball with friends. His father has two wives, and works and lives in Arusha with his other wife. He comes home to see Ruben and his mother two days a week. RubenÕs mother is very supportive of him continuing his education, but lacks the means to cover his school fees.

An incredibly eager and sweet young man, Kishumu is anxious to continue his education. He loves to study math and hopes to share his joy for learning as a teacher in the future. Kishumu has nine beehives that he tends himself to help support his family. His father moved away, leaving Kishumu to live with his mother and siblings. His older brother failed primary school, so Kishumu will be the first of five children to attend secondary school. His mother is unable to cover his school fees, but is supportive of his education.

Quiet and introspective, Sokoine's sweet smile and positive attitude make it easy for him to make friends and stand out amongst his peers. Sokoine loves studying science, and especially enjoys learning about the human nervous system. Sokoine faces many challenges at home - his father struggles with alcoholism, which makes it difficult for him to provide for the family - but Sokoine is determined to get an education so he can help his family and community.

Quiet and reserved, Namelock shines when she is completing group work with friends outside of class, or playing soccer during break time at school. Namelock is a bright young leader who fully believes in the value of education, and hopes to use her education at Orkeeswa School to make a difference in her community. While her parents are supportive of her education, they lack the means necessary to pay for her school fees.