Each man should give as he has decided in his heart. He should not give, wishing he could keep it. Or he should not give if he feels he has to give. God loves a man who gives because he wants to give. 2 Corinthians 9:7
The story of many in Mathare is that of a people who are unable or unwilling to take advantage of opportunities to lift themselves and their families above the heavy barrier of extreme poverty. Those who do succeed often do so because their circumstances serve as a catalyst, not a hindrance, to their success. Mary Akeyo is in this category.Mary, 25, farmed for many years in South Nyanza in Western Kenya. After her husband moved to Nairobi, and for the sake of the children, she gave up farming to join him, reuniting their family of five. She has three children; one daughter is a student at Mawewa School. Mary has been a homemaker for the past four years and with her youngest nearing primary school age, feels it is time to return to work. Because farming is her occupation of choice, and not available in Mathare, Mary joined the Tailoring program at eduKenya’s Skill Training department. Her tutors say that she is an excellent student, attends class regularly, grasps the lessons quickly, and is dedicated to her studies.The old adage that “still waters run deep” applies to Mary Akeyo. She speaks softly and prefers to keep her eyes lowered as she communicates. Mary says that she wants to provide a better life for her children and support her aging parents. With those goals in mind, she hopes to open her own business someday. However, her aspirations extend beyond supporting her family; Mary wishes to use her newfound skill to help those less fortunate than herself.We at eduKenya continue to feel humbled by people like Mary, who living in one of the darkest places on earth, recognize the deeper needs of others and wish to share their blessings and good fortune with them. eduKenya is grateful for godly hearts that desire to bless others as they have been blessed! May God give us all such eyes to see and ears to hear.