Student 3

My name is Marilyn Mkawughanga Kirigho, the second-born in a family of five siblings. Our lives took a difficult turn when my father passed away in 2009. From 2010 to 2011, I couldn’t attend school. During that time, I worked by washing our neighbors’ utensils, earning a small amount of money each day.

In 2012, a kind lady introduced me to Kids to Kids, a school in Westlands, marking the beginning of a positive change in my life. Through their support, I was admitted to Muguga Green Primary School. Unfortunately, I couldn’t continue due to a lack of bus fare. I spent another year at home until a neighbour stepped in and helped me join Prident Academy in Kawangware. I successfully completed my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in 2015, scoring 312 marks.

In 2016, I was fortunate to meet well-wishers who enabled me to join Our Lady of Mercy Girls High School in South B. However, my high school journey was challenging, as I frequently missed classes due to unpaid fees. Despite these obstacles, I managed to complete my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2019, earning a mean grade of C plain.

After high school, I couldn’t afford to join college or university. Determined to continue my education, I sought employment and worked in garbage collection to save money. From 2020 to November 2022, I managed to save enough for part of my fees and applied for a diploma program in Community Health at Amref International University.

I officially joined Amref International University on January 6, 2023. In March 2023, I met Miss Mugure, who introduced me to the JHS Foundation. The foundation stepped in to sponsor my diploma education, covering my tuition, accommodation, and essential school items like stationery.

My diploma program is set to conclude in March 2025. This is a brief account of my journey so far—a story of resilience, determination, and the kindness of people who believed in my potential.