IEFT / Orkeeswa School

Cadeth lives with his father, his father’s two wives and their many children. Cadeth is the oldest of his immediate siblings, and the first in his family to attend secondary school. Cadeth’s parents are farmers and support their families with their small subsistence farm and a few animals. Cadeth’s father also takes small jobs for extra money, such as driving a taxi motorbike.

Quiet and curious, Paulina enjoys exploring her interests in geography and english class with a steadfast determination. As the oldest in her family, Paulina serves as a stellar example to her younger siblings. She can often be found studying with her friends, and she hopes to become a member of parliament and help build more durable homes in her community after graduation.

Padre excelled in primary school and was ranked number four in his class. However, with six children to take care of, his family struggles to make ends meet. There are very few resources at home and they often do not have enough food to feed their children. Since none of Padre’s older siblings had the opportunity to go to secondary school, he hopes to be the first in his family to graduate so that he can give back to his family and his community.

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.

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.