Education Brings Renewed Hope for Kids in Kenya!

As the Saying Goes…Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover!

When kids apply for help to attend school, we listen to their background story and take their picture to show potential sponsors. Here’s one story….about a girl called Belinda.

When we received Belinda’s application here in the U.S. for her need for school fees, the picture that accompanied her application showed a young  girl, arms folded across her chest with a look of defiance by both her posture and the look on her face.

Turns out nothing could be further from the truth, but those were exactly our thoughts when we saw her picture.

We contacted a staff member in Kenya to ask about taking another picture explaining that no one would choose to support her by the picture we had been given.

That’s when we learned the rest of her story. 

Belinda’s father was paying her education costs until he became seriously ill and was in the hospital for several months.  The family of four children was now left with zero income, leaving no alternative but for Belinda to drop out of school. 

To make matters worse, the rent on their home hadn’t been paid in five months. There was no money and they were soon going to be forced out of their home.

On picture day at our Kenya office for all new applicants, Belinda came knowing she needed to report to the office in order to complete the application process.

It quickly became apparent to the Olalo staff they weren’t going to be able to get a more appropriate picture of her and questioned her.

It turns out, after many months in the hospital, her father had just died.  It was so recent he had not been buried yet. Belinda fought to hold back the tears that day. Her resistance to crying was to put forth a look of defiance and anger.

Burdened with the death of her father and the fact the rent on their tiny home was five months in arrears, it was almost more than she could bear…but she wanted to get an education, and so she came to complete the process, to be given a chance.

Your partnership with Olalo of Hope-Kenya’s Education program allowed Olalo to pool together enough funds to put Belinda back in school for the year.  We cannot thank you enough for allowing us to do that.

There are so many other stories with circumstances that mirrors Belinda’s. With your continued support we will be able to help others who find themselves in similar positions and in need of help covering school tuition/fees.

Belinda’s story also reminds us all not to judge a book by its cover.…you just don’t know what’s behind it until you ask with sincerity and compassion.

In case you’re wondering, Olalo’s Community Support program was able to pay the back rent for Belinda’s family and give them time to get their situation in order.

Thank You for partnering with us…and thanks for giving Belinda an education!

Merry Broughal
Olalo of Hope-Kenya