SHOFCO

Sawe excels in math and science and loves to learn. She is currently interested in learning computer programming. She wants to go on to university so that she can have a better life. Sawe has 3 younger sisters who were born at the same time (triplets). Since triplets were unexpected, her mother had to have a C-section and the family is still paying off the medical bills. Although she loves her sisters, her parents did not expect to have so many children and they are struggling to improve their standard of living. Her parents are both unemployed and take on various short term jobs when they can.

My name is Damallyne Merrine Apoda and I attend Othaya Girls High School. I previously scored 375 marks on the KCPE from Anajali Primary School. The environment in high school was completely different and I was really challenged during the first week. It was too cold to manage, as time went by I started managing it so well. I also got new friends and the teachers there are very friendly. I also had problems with time keeping. Attending school the school was difficult, as there were no school fees and my parents were stranded. I really thank God for the scholarship program. I joined a very good school and my dreams of getting good grades are still alive. My prayers are for things to get back to normal and place my efforts on studies.

"I come from a humble home where my parents struggle to meet our daily needs. My greatest desire now is to pass my KCPE examination so I can go to a good school and get a full scholarship in order to help my parents care for my other siblings. I had always dreamt of flying an aeroplane, So I would like to be a pilot, but first I must work hard in order to make my dream come true. I would also like to work hard in my academic performance. In the future I would like to put up a children's home and an educational center where children who are disadvantaged can stay and learn. I would like to be a successful person and have a good career. I would also like to put up a better house for my parents where they can live a comfortable life with no stresses."

"I am 13 years old and born in Kibera slums in Nairobi. I come from a nuclear family whereby my parents work as casual workers. My life both at home and school has been good, but with some challenges. My aspirations are to have a good career job and help the community in the future. I would also like to eradicate poverty in the community, as well as help the youth to know God. I want to be a neurologist and get my certificate in America. I want to help my parents with their life and help those who are hungry, thirsty, and lack shelter. I want to also build a children's home so orphans can get basic needs and a home for aged people. I want to be a doctor who cares for the sick. "

Melby's family has always had trouble paying her school fees. "It has really been hard for me and my parents to pay for my fees and buy me the stationary." Despite these financial obstacles, she dreams of one day attending medical school. "After I finish my secondary school, it would be my dream to go to the University of Nairobi. There I would study medicine. I would open a clinic and help the small kids who are suffering. In Kibera, there are many teenagers who are idle, and I would try to give them opportunities so the number of theft decreases. And finally Kibera would be a better place to live in." Melby also participates in the drama club and would love to join a sports team.

"My father, who is a casual laborer, sometimes gets lucky and finds work and pays for my school fees. But sometimes, when he is out of luck and cannot pay he speaks to the teacher and the teacher allows us time to clear the debt so i can continue going to school. I come from a humble family with 4 siblings. We live in a one room house that is not enough space for everyone. After school, I want to open a business in order to find money so that I can pay my university fees, for my peasant parents will never be able to pay such an amount. In 10 years I would like to be a good doctor and work in one of the biggest hospitals in Kenya."