Give needy kids life and hope through education

Four years ago,I did my final year in primary school. I passed well but my parents could not afford to pay for my school fees. I had to repeat to give my parents time to get money. But after an year, I found myself in the same situation.

To tell you a little bit of myself, I am a victim of 2007 post election violence That left alot of Kenyan families displaced. I witnessed women, men and children been beaten and killed. One evening, I heard our neighbors screaming. The mother was pleading with the attackers. But the attackers did not listen. They told them they are unwanted blood and tribe in that region. They were all killed. We were next, but my father managed to destruct the attackers and gave us a chance to run away and hide in the bush. We walked through the bush the whole night. We ended up in a church where we were given a place to sleep for some days. One of our church members took us to his place and gave us a small place to build a place which became our new home.

Our new life was full of challenges; my parents had lost everything and couldn’t afford to build a decent house. We shared a very small room with my 13 siblings, we had a very small kitchen and adjustment to it was my parent’s room.

Going to school was a big challenge, my parents couldn’t afford to buy all necessities. But other pupils and teachers were always kind to help me. My neighbour, who was a retired teacher, would offer to give me extra tuition in the evening and during school holidays. I later realized her daughter was involved with a charity that supports needy students. This how I met Sports for Change.

I have been with them from my first year in secondary school until now. I did my final examination in secondary school last year and passed well. I will be joining university next month to pursue my career dream.

A BIG thank you to Sports for Change and other supporters for giving my life a meaning, Without you. I would not be where Iam today. My dreams are now shinning. I have learnt that In life even the worst experience can bring luck and alot blessings.

Links:

• Elizabeth's candid life story

This was my first meeting with Sports for Change beneficiaries. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce myself to the mentees and for them to introduce themselves.

The session was used to understand what their challenges are at school and then help them to overcome those challenges with a number of ‘real life’ examples of how to develop new learning techniques. For example I encouraged them to always ask the obvious question.I will continue to support the work that Sport for Change have started and follow up on the new learning techniques that we introduced to the children.

I will continue to build a rapport with the children and offer my mentorship skills at future meetings. I’m also willing to offer mentorship on a one to one basis. There is always a need for more mentors so I would encourage further ways of trying to recruit other mentors locally in Nairobi or those who would like to make their Nairobi visit meaningful by doing charity work.

Fundraising is also key to the success of the charity and ultimately the education of the children who are on the programme. Therefore we encourage you, the donors to keep supporting us in all ways you can. We are also looking for more volunteers to develop fundraising ideas that will help in getting more funds to support these activities and pay school fees for these awesome kids.

This holiday student meeting was also meant to celebrate great performance by Beth who achieved a grade B in her final secondary school exam. Amazingly, the students decided to do a 5km run as a celebration.

 "Running with our mentors and other beneficiaries to celebrate my achievement was very touching,” said Beth. Four years ago I had lost hope and I never imagined I would be celebrating my great performance with amazing people today. I was once a viction of post election in Kenya. My family and I become internaly diplaced and ended at a fellow church member's house. Thats where my luck started. I heard about Sports for Change, I applied for sponsorship and the rest as they say is just history. My dream of becoming a doctor is is getting closer. Thank you to all who have been part of my great success."

It is very rewarding when you sacrifice money and time to give hope to needy and bright kids and transform their lives. These kids would not be where they are today if it wasnt for all the donors and supporters who motivate them daily in various ways.