Empowering 37 Orphans Through Education in Kenya

My name is Joram, an alumni of Nyumbani Village, Kitui. I was among the very first families to be enrolled at the Village in April 2007. I come from a village called Kiusiani in Kitui County. Before I joined the Village I was in class three. Following my admission, I continued my studies in class three at Hot-courses Primary which was a relatively new school with few pupils. The enrolment in the school continued to increase gradually as more and more children joined Nyumbani Village. With the increased number of children in the school, we could actually see the joy on Sister Mary’s face whenever she visited because her background and passion has been empowering young people through education. With the assistance of donors and supporters, she ensured that the school was very well equipped and the environment enabled us to thrive in our studies. Sr. Mary often informed us that it was her dream to see the unhappy faces of children during admission transform into smiles and laughers after finding a new home.

I was glad to find a home where I was cared for as my mother cared for me when she was alive. I felt very special. Nyumbani Village quickly became my home away from home and the treatment was absolutely amazing. The education that I never thought I would receive after the death of my parents now became a reality. What more could one ask for? I had a nice home, caring people and quality education.

In 2012, I sat for my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education and performed well. I got 300 marks out of 500. I was very glad knowing that I could now move to the next level of my education. In 2013 February I was admitted at Lawson High School. I kept my commitment to continue working hard in school and posting good results throughout my high school. During my time in high school I realized that my dream career was to become a super chef. I dreamt of using my creativity to come up with unique meals. I enjoyed my time in high school. I also actively participated in extracurricular activities, my favorite being basketball. In time I became so good at the game such that I was invited to join the school team. We competed with other schools in the zone, region, County until we reached the National levels. The story of our team was featured on television and an article was written in the newspapers. This was one of my greatest achievements of being able to represent my school at the greatest stage in my country Kenya.

In 2016 November I embarked on my final exams in high school called Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. I was a little tense because I knew that this exam would determine what would become of me in the future. It was my prayer that I join one of the prestigious government institutions in Kenya to pursue my career course in food production. I was very happy when the results were released at the beginning of 2017 and I had acquired a grade suited for my dream course. Developing different tastes of foods was my passion and nobody could keep me away from my goal. In September 2017 I joined Kisiwa Technical College to pursue a course in food production. I sat for my final paper in July and I am happy to report that I performed very well.

It is my hope and prayer that I will be crowned as a graduate from the college before the end of the year. I can now see my dream unfolding into reality. I already have a job and enjoy every moment of my work and look forward to scaling greater heights.

I am very grateful to many people because without their funding people like me would not have been able to acquire an education after the demise of my mother who was a sole breadwinner. I sometimes get sad when I remember that my mother died before she could see me realize my dreams. But I am comforted knowing that she is watching over me from her heavenly dwelling. My siblings and I did not have anyone to care for us and our elderly grandparents had no capacity or capability to look after us because on their advanced age and failing health. We went through a rough period in life but today I choose to only see the goodness of God and His people of goodwill who work tirelessly to ensure that the lives of a child somewhere in Africa are transformed. I am a testimony of this goodness and will forever work hard in life. I have also learnt to be kind to other less fortunate people in the society and look forward to the day I am financially stable so that I can assist someone else achieve their dreams.

May God bless all the people who sacrifice their money so that they can make a difference in the lives of children like me.

Joram