Like students throughout the world, Mawewa School students differ in personality, learning capabilities, and leadership skills. Some children are profoundly boisterous while others are quietly observant. There are academically gifted students and those with learning difficulties who need extra tutoring. Some students easily influence the behavior of others, while many are followers. What our students do have in common is the daily challenges of poverty. We would like you to get to know a few of the children whose lives you are changing through your support of eduKenya.[caption id="attachment_3586" align="aligncenter" width="565"]
Daniel[/caption]Daniel, 8, lives in Kiamaiko and has a long walk to school. He and his brother live with their single mother who works as a cook in a school. Her meager pay affords a single room and some basic needs. Daniel and his brother are often hungry. His mother works on the weekends, so Daniel must hand wash his school uniform by himself. Daniel says their congested living conditions make it difficult for him to concentrate on his homework. Being at school makes Daniel happy. Every morning he looks forward to plentiful food, playtime with his friends, and time to study.[caption id="attachment_3647" align="aligncenter" width="565"]
Gerald[/caption]Gerald, 9, and his siblings were orphaned several years ago. They live with their eldest sister, who has a young daughter of her own. With four children in different stages of primary and secondary school, Gerald’s sister is overburdened. She supports them by selling food on the streets of Mathare, but her income does not cover all the expenses. Gerald goes without many essential needs, and poverty affects his self-esteem and academic performance, although he does well in Mathematics. In cases like Gerald’s, Mawewa teachers usually intervene by providing a student with essentials, such as clothing and school supplies.[caption id="attachment_3588" align="aligncenter" width="565"]
James[/caption]James, 10, is a quiet boy with an easy smile. He lives with two brothers and their single mother, who works late into the night. Life is a constant trial for the boys who endure a turbulent home life. Despite this, James has a loving, forgiving heart. He works hard in school and hopes to one day provide for his mother or help her find a new job. His teacher says James is a bright student, but his home life inhibits his academic potential. Occasionally, when teaching staff cannot influence certain domestic situations, they call upon eduKenya’s Community Support Ministry to intervene on their student’s behalf.[caption id="attachment_3589" align="aligncenter" width="565"]
Mercy[/caption]Mercy, 13, lost both parents before she was in first grade. She and her two sisters were raised by an aunt in a difficult home environment fraught with strained relationships. When Mercy’s eldest sister was old enough, the girls moved out and now live on their own. Her sister works as a casual laborer to provide for their education and basic needs. Mercy is a driven girl who is a wonderful influence on her fellow students. Teaching staff recognizes and nurtures her outstanding leadership qualities.Your compassion for these youngsters drives incredible change in their lives and community. The students at Mawewa School need your ongoing support so they might continue to experience hope and transformed lives through education, nutrition, wholesome interactions with loving adults, playtime with other children, supportive intervention when the need arises, and so much more.If you do not already donate toward the children's transformation, or would like to increase your giving, please visit us at the eduKenya website. If you are interested in Sponsoring an entire class, please visit our Classroom Sponsorship page.Thank you from the eduKenya team, Mawewa staff, and all our students!