Grace's Story
Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize winner, fought for the right of education for every girl, as a young girl herself, and was consequently shot by the Taliban says, “Education is the power terrorists fear most.”This among many other social cultural and economic challenges facing girls in many parts of the world including Kenya. Recognising this, Resilient Woman launched an education sponsorship program in 2016 with our first participant Grace Sindoiya. Seven years later, we celebrate her achievements as she begins high school.
Grace, first born of four, joined the education sponsorship program in grade 3. She scored a whooping 326 marks (out of 500) in her national exams earning her a place at Enoomatasiani Girls Secondary School. She credits her success to her mother and father for their guidance, especially for shielding her from bad company. She can not fully express the gratitude she holds for her sponsor the Ratigan Green family and Lucy Karambu, Resilient Woman’s founding director. With grit, determination and resilience Grace now excitedly leaps into a new chapter of her life. We can not wait to see how the four year journey unfolds.
It seems like not too long ago her mother, Jane Kotee, was rising at the crack at dawn to fetch water for sale in her neighbourhood. The mere 5 shillings profit she made per Jerican was not enough for school fees. Sending Grace to school was difficult. It was stressful for Jane to watch Grace become a laughing stock in school for frequently missing classes and exams. However, in her words “by God’s grace” she met Lucy and through the education sponsorship program the strenuous load was lifted.A joyous Jane testified to the change she witnessed in her daughter because of the hope of a brighter future, assured by the school sponsorship. Jackson Koitee, Grace’s father, says her marks were beyond their dreams and, thanks God for providing the means for a quality education for her. Without the means to take Grace to school he gives all glory to God for this miracle of a generous sponsor. Everyday they give thanks for Lucy and the Ratigan Green’s family, professing, “Man may not have anything to give to show gratitude but the Almighty God has a bigger prize.”
From Grace’s smile and determination, to her parents’ joy and gratitude, this is a hope filled story. When girls stay in school they are equipped with tools to deal with harmful cultural practices, attitudes and other socio-economic cultural challenges that keep them disadvantaged. Grace is well on the way to this bright future. Sadly, over 600,000 girls in Kenya do not have this opportunity and this is the fire under the feet of Resilient Woman to see more girls begin a new hope filled chapter.
