11 New Scholars Announced

After reviewing more than 600 applications, interviewing about 70 shortlisted candidates, conducting 42 home visits ... our team in Kibera finally selected 11 new Children of Kibera class of 2015 scholars. We had 3 first time pioneer scholars from their respective schools, a sure sign of growth in our outreach. They are guaranteed full scholarship for high school and a path to university based on their academic performance, demonstrated socio-economic need, strong personal character and leadership potential. W e wish them all the best in their high school life.

“In me, you have a new ambassador in the community for what you do is evident for every eye to see”—A parent

“It is my pride to see my students excel in life and be a shining light in the community”- Mr. Haji Teacher Olympic Primary School.

Group 2015 scholars

Journey of a hopeful scholar part 2

After our initial meeting, we were grouped into zones that could make home visits by CoKF staff easy bearing in mind that candidates were from all over Kibera.

Thursday morning at around 9 O’clock the ‘entourage’ started snaking its way through the complex feeder roads completing the Kibera circuit. I was the 6^th to be visited. Just that visit made me ooze with pride, I have never had so many people visit my home just because of what I have been able to achieve.

Due to my parents’ condition, I put up with my cousin along Karanja road and my parents had to struggle to come over. The visit was truly encouraging and my hope of joining high school felt strengthened, it now seems a reality, as I look at the Mary Hill Girls School calling letter (a prestigious national school) at my hand, I felt that the home visit portends of good things to come.

Two days later, we were called to congregate at Mchanganyiko hall where I was informed together with ten other students that we were the class of 2015 recipients of the full scholarships. I lack the exact words to express the joy that was in the room both from our parents and us.

I now go to high school with renewed strength, I know I am going to meet top students from all over the country and I am determined to be among the cream both in academics and extracurricular activities for my biggest burden has been lifted and all I have to worry about is excelling in school

Connecting the villages...

Uphill task

This is my home.