By Victor Odhiambo | Project Leader
In Kibera, the largest urban slum in sub-sahara Africa. Access to resources and information is hard especially to students who come from poor families. It is estimated that a family of 5 leave under 1 dollar a day. Here is Laura's story
"I am Laurah Musavi Waituka. I am 19 years old and the fourth born in a family of nine. I was brought up in Nairobi at Gatwekera, Kibera by both parents. I did my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in 2016 at New Langata Secondary School. My parents were forced to go an extra mile in order to meet our needs; my father worked as a shoe shiner while my mother did some washing for the rich. Sometimes, I could walk out of school to fetch water for people so as to raise money which I saved for my school fees. At some point, I could be so much hurt and disappointed watching my schoolmates go to school but their was one thought that cheered me, that one day I will achieve my dream, Education, because I know in whom I believe, God.
I joined Garden of hope Foundation club in 2014 when they first came to my former school. I was motivated by the fact that they could listen to me and offer counseling sessions, I decided to be committed and the following year the club members chose me as their leaders. Garden of hope foundation offered me an opportunity to be trained as a student leader to sharpen my leadership skills. In 2016 I was elected by the whole school as Head Girl a position I never knew I would hold.
When I graduated from High school in November 2016, I did not know what would happen next. I was not able to join University or college. The only option was for me go back and start washing clothes for Rich people in nearby estate. Garden of Hope Foundation offered me an opportunity to join the Leadership Development and Entrepreneurship program. Through the program I learnt computer skills, how to start a business, job searching, CV writing, business plan among others.
Thank you to everyone who have supported the program and Garden of Hope Foundation. My goal is to join university and pursue Journalism".
For only $ 50. You can support many students like Laura have access to vocational training for 3 months. Please consider being a monthly donor- Donate here.
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