Sponsor and Support Kenyan Students

At times there was no food for Irene and her siblings. Nine children and no food. Irene’s father died too young. Her mother kept the family of ten alive by selling snacks for a few coins to passers-by. Some days there were no buyers, and there were no coins. No coins and no food.

It seems like a miracle that Irene outperformed almost all of her classmates. She served in school government, she played on the volleyball team, she was known as kind, respectful, and disciplined. Also, she was exceptionally bright… and she was about to drop out of school. No coins.

That’s when Kenya Keys was able to step in. Thanks to support from donors and a very special sponsor, this exceptional student reported to high school. She thrived, but last year, Irene started experiencing strange symptoms. Her feet swelled and she became very sick. She was taken to the closest hospital and treated, but within days, she was rushed back to the hospital. Of course, Irene’s family was not in a position to pay such bills. If you wonder what kind of things fit in the category “Greatest Need” on the Kenya Keys online donation form, unexpected student medical expenses like Irene’s are on that list.

Earlier this year, we received word that Irene’s mother was in the hospital, diagnosed with breast cancer. Within the month, she was gone, leaving Irene and her eight siblings orphans. Why some children experience tragedy after tragedy in their young lives and others grow up relatively unscathed is a mystery only God could answer, but one thing that is consistent the world over is that in the face of unfathomable loss, compassionate people step up. Nothing can replace what Irene has lost, but the compassion of Kenya Keys supporters means that she will not be alone. Irene has a team of concerned adults - Joseph, Clemence, Kabani, Patrick, and other Kenya Keys staffers in Kenya make sure her physical needs are met, they check in with her medical situation, they review her grades, and early next year they will help her decide on a career path after high school graduation. The compassion of Kenya Keys supporters has wrapped a safety net around this young woman in mourning.

I am reminded of a quote I read recently, “Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person.” We see it every day. Irene’s life and hundreds of other Kenya Keys students’ lives have been transformed by your support. Thank you for changing their worlds.