Support for High School Scholarships

Scholarships

Education is a crucial initiative in improving the lives of students in Kenya. Acquiring at least a primary education can still be challenging for many children. Even though education is considered free through 8th grade, primary school students still pay for uniforms and basic supplies. Secondary students pursuing education beyond the local communities must pay tuition and fees to attend high school. Many families cannot even afford the nominal fees of a local school, thus preventing many students from attending school past the eighth grade. In addition, many orphaned children do not have the family support to provide school fees.

For girls, attaining education beyond the 8th grade is more challenging. If a family has many children, they will often choose to educate a boy first, especially if funds are scarce. The girls are made to stay home and help with running the household. Research studies continue to show that the more education a girl has, her family life will be improved and will also positively impact the community.

In 2013, Marafiki began a program to award high school scholarships for the top-performing girl and boy completing Musembe Primary School. The first two students completed their high school studies, and the young man qualified for college! Without the assistance from Marafiki, these students would most likely not have gone to high school at all, even a local day school. The opportunity to attend a quality boarding school has provided students from the Musembe area the type of education needed in order to help them further develop academically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. Marafiki plans to continue this program by sponsoring at least two students from Musembe each year or more students as funds become available. Interested donors can choose to support a student for high school for an annual commitment of $600 for four years, which covers the complete high school education. This is a minimal price to give many students a chance at a better life.

Annual commitment: $600 for one child.

Scholarship student Branice

Scholarship student Mary

Scholarship student Tony