Give needy kids life and hope through education

I have seen many people suffer in the community where I live. We have no proper hospitals, no clean water and my mother struggles so hard to feed us. I want to work hard in school, become a doctor and help them.

I worked hard in my primary school and achieved 356 marks in the final exams. I wasn’t so happy with my result but I did far much better than kids from rich families who were in nice private boarding schools. My former school is in the middle of a slum called Mukuru wa Ruben in Nairobi and that where I live in one small room with my mother and 4 of my siblings. This small room, we call home, is our bedroom, our sitting room and our kitchen. There is no space for private studies.

I have seen my mother working hard to support us but last year June, things changed when she got an accident, her little business collapsed and she couldn’t support us anymore. We now survive with help from well wishers. This disturbed me and affected my studies. Why can’t I be like the other children who don’t have to worry about basic need like food and education? I could help but wonder why life is tough on us.

Our dad left us when we were very young. He is alive but never visit or support us. I cry alot when I see my mum struggling so much alone. We face alot of difficulties in the slum. Iam now used to this life, but the thought of not proceeding with my studies just because we are poor make me feel so sad and hopeless. I keep wondering why I can’t be like other children who just need to work hard without thinking of life struggles.

In February, I got lucky. I approached one of youth leaders in Mukuru kwa Ruben slum and asked him to help me in any way he could. He called me after some days to say there is a lady who will come to interview me. That night I dint sleep, I kept thinking how the interview will be and if I will get any help. I was very nervous, worried and happy at the same time when she arrived. When the interview started, all I was thinking about was what will happen if I get rejected. I broke down and cried severally forcing them to pause several times. It was a very sad moment as the visitors also cried.

When they left, they promised to call me the following da and they did. I was accepted by Sports for change. My heart was touched, my tears wiped. I smiled hard and said a small prayer. I have no words to thank Sports for Change and all the people that are involved. I promised everyone that I will work hard and mentor young girls in my community.

Links:

• Cythia's quest for a dream

We have had great achievement with our kids, thanks to you, our supporter. Our holiday mentorsip programs have helped our students both academically and socially. We have noted great improvement in both areas. It’s great to see some students taking initiative of sharing what they learn with those in their schools and villages.

All our students who finished secondary school last year have joined different colleges to start their carrier path.

Julius, joined Kenya Institute of highways and building technology to pursue a diploma course in highway engineering, Beth Wairimu joined Thika institute of business studies to pursue diploma in hotel and catering, Cristine is doing online course on journalism and at the same time earning some cash writing for a local paper while Ann is doing food and nutrition diploma at Nairobi institute of business.

Caroline, one of our students who is pursuing a diploma course in hotel and catering at Thika institute of business studies was accepted in a luxury lodge in Amboseli national park in Kenya for a 3 months intership. This will give her great experience and good opportunity to interact with people from all over the world. She is so happy and thankful to all that made this happen. She is disciplined, very confident, hardworking and very social.

Our August mentorship program was quite fun. Apart from the team building and mentorship programs, the students had an opportunity to experience camping and bonfire for the first time.

Our plan for December holiday is to take them to Tsavo East and West Nation Park for an educational tour. This will be their first time ever to see animals they only read about. We need your support to do this. Buy a gift card for a loved one and touch these students heart. Your donations will give them  everlasting memories.

Links:

• Happy mentorship video