Against the Odds: Two Girls, One Dream
SARAH’s STORY
Sarah* comes from a very humble background. Her father passed away when she was very young, and her mother, who has five children, struggles to support her family on her limited income as a house help. Despite this, Sarah’s paternal uncle took the initiative to adopt her, even though he had several children of his own. The uncle runs a small business selling cereals but the income is not enough to sustain their needs.
Sarah completed her primary education in 2023, achieving excellent marks of over 300, and thereafter joined a high school in Marsabit County. Due to financial constraints, she was unable to report to the school immediately.
A teacher took it upon herself to help as a well wisher. She supported the young girl’s shopping for essentials to help her to school. The well wisher also spoke with the school administration so that the girl was not sent home for non-payment of fees.
Despite everyone’s efforts, the financial struggles weigh heavily on the young girl. Now in her second year of high school, hearing her name repeatedly mentioned as one of the students with outstanding fees has been very stressful for her and her grades have started to drop.
Through donations received to our projects on GlobalGiving, HODI cleared the young girl’s outstanding fee balance of 48,500 shillings this month. This is part of our efforts to support the education of young girls like Sarah.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the young girl.
Safia
Safia* hails from a modest household characterized by love and resilience despite facing significant financial challenges. Her mother is unemployed, spending most of her days taking care of five children while her father works tirelessly as a temporary driver, earning income that makes it difficult for him to meet the family’s basic needs. With three children enrolled in secondary school, the struggle to afford school fees was a challenge for the family.
Despite the financial challenges, Safia’s father ensured that all his children had access to education to break the chain of poverty in life and enrolled them all in one school. Knowing his financial limitations, he approached the school administration and asked to pay the fees in small installments.
Despite these challenges, Safia’s determination to excel academically never wavered. Her days begin early, often helping her mother with household chores before heading to school. At school, she was known for her focus and passion to learn. Her teachers quickly noticed her diligence and potential.
One of her teachers said: “I see not only a hardworking student but also a girl with dreams and aspirations. A girl who hopes to make a difference in her family and her community”.
Safia, now in her second year of high school, is worried about her increasing school fees due to small and slow payments. The young girl is also worried that she may be prevented from sitting for her end term examinations.
Through donations received to our projects on GlobalGiving, HODI cleared the young girl’s outstanding fee balance of 13,000 shillings this month. This is part of our efforts to support the education of young girls like Safia.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the young girl.