Training Health Workers in Kenya Saves Lives

Rescued Learning

Keeping students of healthcare in class

“When I received admission to study nursing at Tenwek School of Nursing my excitement overshadowed the financial challenges we had as a family. And yes, it has been tough, but the Afya Elimu Fund has given life to my story” says Caren, sharing her journey as a nursing student.

Caren is in her third year of study, pursuing a diploma in nursing at the Tenwek School of Nursing in Bomet County, Kenya. Caren is the second in a family of five, and carries her family’s hope for a better future. Her elder sister dropped out of school for marriage due to financial difficulties.

For Caren, going to school was not easy. When she received her admission letter, her father called her uncles and aunties to seek support for her tuition. “Sad as it may sound, they advised my father to marry me off. I am thankful that my father understands my passion to advance my studies beyond high school. He told them his daughter would go to school even if he would have nothing left.”

Caren’s father organized a fundraising event, which enabled her to report to school, but the money did not last long. She was soon sent back home for failure to pay school fees. “To reduce the frequency of disruptions, my father offered to supply the school with items from our small farm. While this kept me in school for some time, it deprived my family of their livelihood, they lacked more and more and it pained me so much.”

Caren’s determination to get a nursing diploma kept her going. In spite of the financial difficulty, she kept returning to school, hoping against hope that she was considered enrolled in classes. In her second year, she sought support from the Constituency Development Fund whose support covered fees for one semester. The remaining semester had many interruptions.

“I had no peace of mind and could not concentrate on my studies. I worried about where I would get money to pay for my fees. Besides, every time I would be sent home, I would lose a lot.”.

“The Afya Elimu Fund provided me with a lot of relief. I received loans that enabled me to clear my arrears and pay part of third year fees” Caren said.

Caren is grateful for the opportunity to concentrate for the first time on her studies—she can already feel her performance improving. Equally as important to her is that her father can now turn his full attention to supporting her siblings. 

To Caren, best of luck with your studies and your career as a health worker.  To our donors, thank you for your support in ensuring more health workers, like Caren, will be present, ready, connected and safe.