Here are the stories of a girl and young woman that we will be supporting financially during their educational endeavors.
Epifania
Laura met Epifany last year at an orphanage. Epifany was the only older child, at the orphanage, without any sponsorship to attend secondary school. Epifany's mother resides in Moshi, but due to financial restraints (four children) and health issues she was unable to financially support her daughter's education. Laura inquired numerous times with the director of the orphanage regarding why Epifany wasn't attending secondary school. She was always met with the same response, school fees will be coming for her, very soon. After one month, Laura realized something wasn't right and decided to see what she could do to help. The director wanted Laura to pay her money for Epifany's school fees. Laura was not comfortable with this and decided to go directly to the school with Epifany. When the director found this out, she banned Epifany from visiting the orphanage. It became apparent that the director's own greed and corruption had been preventing Epifany from furthering her education. Last year, Laura was able to help Epifany with tuition fees, school supplies, toiletries and dry goods.
This year we have paid off the remainder of Epifany's final year of school, including examination fees! We were able to purchase new shoes and the supplies that are mandatory to attend her school. She plans to graduate in October of this year. She aspires to become a lawyer and enjoys studying commerce and bookkeeping.
This year we have paid off the remainder of Epifany's final year of school, including examination fees! We were able to purchase new shoes and the supplies that are mandatory to attend her school. She plans to graduate in October of this year. She aspires to become a lawyer and enjoys studying commerce and bookkeeping.
Grace
When Laura met Grace she was a 9 year old with a serious health condition called ulcerative colitis. This condition requires an ileostomy, a surgical procedure that brings the small intestine out through an opening in the stomach. It is necessary when the stomach is unable to digest any food or liquids. Usually, an ileostomy is assisted by a catheter, which collects the secretions that normally would be passed through bowel movements. Grace's parents were unable to afford a catheter. As one can imagine, this is a devastating condition for anyone in the world. As a shy 9 year old, Grace was ostracized by peers, not allowed to attend school, and was unable to complete any normal functions. The smell was unbearable for anyone to be around her. Laura immediately took action to help Grace. She was able to raise enough money to complete three surgical procedures that allow Grace to live like a normal child. Since she was unable to attend school until after the surgical procedures, she is at a kindergarten/grade 1 level at the age of 10.
It was an emotional reunion for Laura to hug and communicate with Grace's parents. Her father kept repeating "I can't believe your here, this is like a dream. Thank you. Thank you."
We are committed to paying for Grace's school fees and doing anything we can to encourage her to advance to a level more appropriate for her age.
Update: We have paid for Grace's first year of school, here it is called Primary 1. We met with the school's director and she showed us Grace's report cards and progress so far. She received 80% in every subject except for math which she received 100%. Hopefully she keeps up the good work and we are able to help her get to the same level as other children her age. She is at a private boarding school which we feel will give her an excellent education and supportive learning environment.
It was an emotional reunion for Laura to hug and communicate with Grace's parents. Her father kept repeating "I can't believe your here, this is like a dream. Thank you. Thank you."
We are committed to paying for Grace's school fees and doing anything we can to encourage her to advance to a level more appropriate for her age.
Update: We have paid for Grace's first year of school, here it is called Primary 1. We met with the school's director and she showed us Grace's report cards and progress so far. She received 80% in every subject except for math which she received 100%. Hopefully she keeps up the good work and we are able to help her get to the same level as other children her age. She is at a private boarding school which we feel will give her an excellent education and supportive learning environment.