Sponsor and Support Kenyan Students

Victor was in 6th grade when his father died. The arid land had provided a meagar living for the family in the bush of Kenya, but without his father’s strong hands, survival would be even more tenuous. Victor’s mother gathered her two boys and set out looking for work, eventually landing in a village along the famous Mackinnon road. Two years later, she, too, passed away. 

“It was a sad, sad time,” Victor reflected recently. He speaks gently, playing with the fabric of a jacket on the school desk in front of him. A pause and subtle change in expression communicate that the memory of that time still carries deep emotion. He speaks of a schoolteacher who intervened. “She just adopted me,” Victor said, “and she helped me”.

In spite of his deep personal tragedy, an impressive score on the Kenyan standardized test qualified Victor for a reputable high school. The challenge was obvious. “I was to find school fees for my own,” Victor explained. He has a calm, innocent look that seems somewhat at odds with the strength that pulled him through an incredible challenge, “I went and searched for a job, and I used the money to pay for school fees.” His adopted aunt must have discussed the exceptional case and the exceptional boy she had on her hands, because the principal admitted him with only part of the school fees and without a school uniform. The principal’s trust in Victor has been rewarded. “Victor is the most disciplined student in the school,” he said.

After two years of high school, the money was running out, and Victor approached Kenya Keys. “I pled for sponsorship,” he explained, “and I thank God it was for me.” He describes the difference it has made, “When other students are sent home for school fees, I am always in class.” That’s a significant advantage to Victor, because “while they are away, the syllabus is going on.” Days in school means higher scores, and Victor will need those scores for what he has in mind.

“I want to be a cardiologist and do the study of medicine” - a lofty goal for the son of subsistence farmers, but determination, hard work, and timely assistance have already helped him overcome the odds. Victor completes high school in December of this year, and will be applying for university in January. He is very grateful for the opportunity. “I thank you so much for the care you’ve given to me,” he said to his sponsors, and to all Kenya Keys supporters.

His thoughts turn to other students in his situation. “I hope you will continue with the same spirit, to help other children who need help, like me, and for orphans, you just support them in the way you have supported me.” Knowing the generosity and the good hearts of Kenya Keys’ supporters, we can confidently say, we will.

Kenya Keys, Victor, and all our hardworking students thank your for your generous support of their education. They are putting all their effort into transforming their lives and they couldn't do it without your assistance. Thank you for helping Victor and all our students unlock their potential. We can't wait to see what they do next!

Links:

• KenyaKeys.org