Maureen wants to be a pilot. When asked why she said simply "This is because I have a passion for it". This passion well sums up who Maureen is. This thoughtful young woman chose her high school based on the school's academic reputation and is eager to apply herself. With your help Africa SOMA will cover the costs of Maureen's four years of high school, giving her the educational foundation to not only become a pilot but change her life. $790 will cover Maureen's 4 year secondary education.
Maureen is looking forward to high school and is excited by the change of pace. "[I'm] looking forward is a different environment compared to primary school" she told us. A lover of volleyball because "I can play it well" and studying Kiswahili, she is "looking forward to meeting new friends." in high school. By investing in Maureen's education you are ensuring she gets a chance to reach her full potential.
In rural Kenya, where many families have lower incomes, it is difficult to send children to high school, yet a high school education is necessary to access many jobs in Kenya. Maureen's own farmer father often struggles during times of drought. Having grown up in the very rural Maasai community of Torosei she felt great relief when she found out she was one of Africa SOMA's scholarship students - with this scholarship she will be able to focus on school without worrying about school fees.
The region surrounding Elangata Wuas has been suffering from increased droughts in recent years which has had a severe impact on a community economically centered around livestock. Livelihood diversity is a key in the region and earning a high school education provides greater potential to access and create jobs. For children in Elangata Wuas the chance to attend high school means a chance to broaden not only their academic horizons but also their job prospects.
