Many people don’t realize that in Kenya, continuing your education after primary school (elementary school) is a luxury, and it is a luxury that most families in Likoni, Kenya cannot afford. If families cannot afford to educate their children in schools, how will these children transition to the professional work force, contribute to Kenya’s growing economy and provide for their future families? They simple cannot. Therefore, the cycle of poverty, hardship, and difficult sacrifices that challenge personal morals and beliefs are passed on to generation after generation….
Saturday January 16th was an emotional yet rewarding afternoon as Hatua staff and our guests of honor, Colin Forbes, General manager of Environment & Community Affairs at Base Titanium, Benjamin Muli, Board Chairman of Hatua Likoni and Steven Nyanje Board Secretary of Hatua Likoni, as they awarded 42 of Likoni’s brightest, yet economically challenged students scholarships to continue their high school education- marking the first step in breaking the cycle of poverty for their families. Each one of these well deserving children were at high risk – on the brink of become high school dropouts or just not even making it to their first year of high school. The reason being, not because they weren’t smart enough or that they were bad kids or didn’t care to attend school but simply because they couldn’t afford school fees. However, with their recent acceptance into Hatua Likoni’s Scholarship Program, their lives will be forever changed.
When welcoming the new students to our program you can’t help but feel “awed” and excited about what’s next to come for them. Their dreams of continuing their education like all the other kids in their classes have come true. They won’t be left behind. They have the chance now to make a difference, to do better and to be great reaching their highest potential!! It is the beginning of a pivotal transition in their lives and helps to put the entire family on the path towards economical stability for future generations to come.
Please join us to celebrate the bright new future of those most worthy of your support!
