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Asma[/caption]Asma, 14, is a Form 1 (9th grade) student. Unlike most of her classmates, Asma is not from Nairobi and did not attend Mawewa for her primary education. She was born and raised in the coastal city of Likoni, Mombasa, the second largest city in Kenya.Asma’s mother deserted her family when she was young, and their relationship is reserved. Asma, who has five brothers, was brought up by her father in a house full of men. Her paternal grandmother, whose home she visited often, did her best to guide Asma through her girlhood, but her formative years were difficult. Asma’s father does not have a permanent job and struggles to provide for his large family. Her three older brothers did not attend school after the 8th grade.In December 2016, after completing her KCPE exams, Asma traveled to the Naivasha area to visit her uncle. During her stay, her uncle told Edwin Makokha, the Physics and Chemistry teacher at Mawewa High School, about Asma’s home life. Mr. Makokha suggested that she attend the open interviews for the 2017 Form 1 Class at the Naivasha campus. Asma says she “instantly fell in love with the school” when she heard about the environment of respect, care, and trust at the Mawewa.Asma is a bubbly girl who, despite life’s hardships, has a ready smile and makes people around her comfortable. She draws people to her with a winning demeanor and makes friends with ease. During her down time, she loves to read and cook. She is trying her hand at sports while at Mawewa School and joined the girl’s netball team.The class teacher, Mr. Ochwada, says Asma displays confidence, is not afraid to try new things, and is one of his most active students. She is disciplined in her studies, has a good command of the English language, and is not hesitant to ask questions. Apparently, Asma also shows promise as an actress and is on the school drama team.Asma has her eye on a career in journalism and believes that Mawewa School increases her chances to attend college and fulfill her dream. More importantly, she says if she succeeds in high school, her two younger brothers may also have a chance to advance their education beyond the 8th grade.It is a thrill to provide hope through academic opportunity to young people like Asma. Her young life is already being transformed during her five months’ association with Mawewa School. God is doing a mighty work in the lives of children through the eduKenya organization!

Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.” Mark 4:30-32