SHOFCO

I come from a family of 6 living in the informal settlement of Kibera in Nairobi. I attended Kibera Primary School and now am a student at Koroko Secondary School. I am an active student in class and extracurricular activities. At home, we have no access to clean water, healthcare, or sanitation, and affording two meals a day is difficult. This scholarship is the only chance I have to go to school. I want to study hard to get good grades so I can join a top university, and 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.

My name is Ismail Yusuf and I attend Hospital Hill High School in Nairobi. I am 15 years old and I attended ST. George's Primary School where I scored 335 marks on the KCPE. While I was in school, I experienced bullying from other students. There were also cases of theft in school. This scholarship program has helped reduce my parents burdens, as right now life is hard and everything is expensive. My family consists of 7 people and providing for such a number is a great challenge, but now that my school fees are covered, they can at least use the little cash they get on food or other house necessities. I now have a coach who is helping me with my soccer talent, and this is what I like to do in my free time.

I am a student at Ofafa Jericho High School in Nairobi, and previously attended Palmolive Primary School. My mother lost her job during the pandemic and struggled to put food on the table. Everything they get is used to feed the family, and I didn't know if I would be able to attend high school. This scholarship is my only opportunity to go to high school, and I am so thankful.

I am a student at Makuyu Boys School, and formerly attended Love Africa Somi School. I come from a very poor background and could not manage the high school fees. As a family, we have challenges getting our basic needs met. Both of my parents are jobless and we live hand-to-mouth. If it were not for this scholarship, I would not be in school. This means a great deal to our family and reduces the burden. I am so grateful for this opportunity.

I studied at Olympic primary school in Kibera and now attend Twenwek Secondary School in Narok County, Kenya. When I began high school, I had challenges in time management but I have improved. The school is big and the students are very disciplined. Before this scholarship, school fees were my greatest worry. Going to a good secondary school was always my dream and it has come true. My parents have struggled to support my brother, my sister, and I, and I am very thankful for this opportunity.