8th and 12th grades in Kenya are extremely important to school years. 8th graders take an exam that determines to what level of high school/technical training they can gain admission. 12th graders’ exam determines which type of post-secondary training they can pursue, which in turn determines their career and very likely, their income. The system is very black and white. Breaking the cycle of poverty can come down to one exam.
Imagine being 13 or 14 and knowing that this one exam will determine the quality of high school you’ll be able to attend. And your high school education impacts your chances at a good higher education program and career! It is a big deal! We invite you to learn more about the Kenyan education system.
In 2016, our 8th-grade class scored higher than the Kenyan average, an accomplishment our students have made for the past eight consecutive years. Our students averaged 290 out of 500 points while the national average was 245. Five of our students scored above 350 and will likely be accepted to the most prestigious high schools in Kenya. Our 12th graders also completed the important exam to gain entry into post-secondary schools. Thirty-two students took the exam, and 14 scored high enough to be accepted into a college or university-level program. The others will likely attend one- to two-year trade schools.
Thank you to our generous, committed sponsors. It is your investment in your student’s education that is making this success possible.
Our top 8th and 12th grade performers include:
Hillary Anabwani. Hillary is a very strong student. He lives with his mother and father, who are both HIV+. Hillary’s mother says, “He has a bright future ahead of him should he continue to work hard.” Hillary is sponsored by Dave and Sue Kanz.
Sharon Kwamboka. Sharon has been at the top of her class for several years and is a standout student in the computer lab courses taught at our offices. She lives with her aunt, two brothers, and a cousin. Sharon is sponsored by Neha Patel.
Joyce Atieno. Joyce lives with her HIV+ mother and four siblings. Joyce’s favorite subject is social studies and her teachers recognize her as a leader among her classmates. Joyce is sponsored by Millie Acamovic.
Willis Odour. Willis has consistently been at the top of his class since joining our program. He is an orphan who lives with his uncle, aunt, and three cousins. Willis is sponsored by Ronan Smith of Bimeda Ltd., and Maurice Musanya.
Edwin Omondi. Edwin has been in the program since 2012. He is an extremely social student and is often making his friends and staff laugh. Edwin’s family recently moved to a new home with electricity, so he has been able to better study in the evenings. Edwin is sponsored by Greg and Patti Lais.
Rose Adhiambo. Rose attended Ngara Girls secondary school, a national school that is one of the top-performing in the country. Rose’s smile lights up the room, and she is a leader both in the classroom and among her peers. Rose is sponsored by Steve and Judy Lewis.
Lensa Achieng. Lensa also attended Ngara Girls secondary school. Our students attend boarding school at the secondary level, so students in a particular school do nearly everything together. Fortunately, the students at Ngara Girls have continued to be great students! Lensa is sponsored by the women in “Carol’s Knitting Ladies” club.
Francis Githinji. Francis attended Parkland Boy’s School, one of the quality schools nestled in the heart of Nairobi. Francis has been a leader at camp for several years and is a role model for many of our students. Francis is sponsored by Andy and Heidi Walz.
Daisy Atieno. Daisy is the oldest in her family with four younger brothers. Both of her parents are alive and HIV+. Because Daisy was supported by the program since 2010, her mother has been able to save a small amount and recently opened a business to support the rest of her family. Daisy is sponsored by Cynthia and Joe Walz.
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