Empowering 37 Orphans Through Education in Kenya

Ezekiel almost despaired before he joined Nyumbani Village.  He narrates the story of his life:  My name is Ezekiel and I come from a family of seven children.  Before my siblings and I were rescued and brought to Nyumbani Village we had suffered so much to the point of despair.  Our parents died when I was in class eight leaving us destitute.  Things took a turn for the worse because with no one else to turn to, my siblings looked up to me to provide for them.  Our grandmother who would have taken care for us did not have the means because she also depended on our parents for support.  Basic needs like food were hard to come by because the well-wishers who supported us immediately after our parents died went away shortly after, leaving us alone.  The extended family members were not interested in our plight.  It was a very difficult time for me because I did not have the means nor capability to care for my family and at the same was trying to attend classes.  My grades dropped drastically because of the burden I was carrying in my mind and heart not knowing what tomorrow would hold for us.   I later joined Form One at a school nearby but I was sent home now and then because of lack of school fees.  The year that followed my younger sister called Agatha also joined secondary school but she suffered the same plight and spent most time at home because of lack of school fees.  To say we were miserable is an understatement.

In 2009, We joined Nyumbani Village which was a huge blessing that changed our lives.  Whenever I look back, I always wonder what would have happened to my family had Nyumbani Village not come knocking when they did.   At Nyumbani Village we felt like we were in heaven.  We were fed, clothed and all our basic needs were met.  I re-joined secondary school and continued uninterrupted because my school fees were fully paid.  For the first time since our parents died, I could concentrate on my studies without worrying about basic needs.  I am not ashamed to say that after a little while there was a noticeable difference in our health, we actually put on weight. 

Upon completing my secondary school education I joined tertiary college where I pursued a course in Business Administration.  I successfully completed my studies in May, 2014.  At the moment I am busy sending out applications for employment to different organizations.  It is my hope and prayer that someone will reply to my application and offer me employment.  

I would like to thank all the donors who supported me through Global Giving because through your generosity you gave me a second chance in life.  If things had remained the way they were, it would have been hard to survive.  It is because of your assistance that I can now happily look towards the future with a lot of hope. 

Links:

• http://www.nyumbani.org