Kenya Education Fund

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.

I am the first born of five children. We live with our mother who is unemployed. We get support from a relative who works as a security guard with one of the local security firms. He has his own family and this usually forces my mom to look for other odd jobs to supplement. i am in love with my books. I want to gain knowledge to help my younger siblings. They look up to me for inspiration and I would not wish to disappoint them. I also hope to influence my community in a positive way"

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.

I come from a big family. I have nine other siblings. We are all taken care of by my father who at this point is not working/unemployed. My older siblings have attended/still attend not-very-good schools. I was to follow suit until The School Fund came to my rescue. This is a "first" in my family. This is a common situation in Kibera. I am among the lucky few from financially disadvantaged families to get support from well-wishers.

I grew up in the hands of a single mother. We went through several challenges together but we have always managed. In 2014, we faced the most challenging part of the year. My mother was bedridden and I had to take care of her at the same time I had to prepare for the end year national examination. We mostly had to depend on the philanthropy of neighbors and a few relatives to survive. I have embraced this as part of life. I will not let it dim my spirit. The School Fund has extended an olive branch to me. A chance to redefine my life and come out of this mire.

Lavender is the only child. However, her parents support three of her cousins who are orphans. The first is Samson and he is in class 8 at Spurgeons academy, Stephen is in class 7 at Ayany primary and Moses is in class 6 also at Ayany primary. Lavender's mother works as a cook at Spurgeons primary and her father is self employed and works as a tailor. She is a confident girl. Something she has worked on for a very long time since it would her in a dream career. She would like to be a Lawyer in future so that she would be able to fight for the rights of the disadvantaged. Since she joined high school, Lavender has maintained impressive grades. She remains focused towards achieving her dream.