This is me in 2007 before I was sponsored. Matanya’s Hope gave me school supplies and shoes.
I did not know that I would ever make a step ahead in my life. I lost hope in getting a good education. I lost hope in getting shelter. I lost hope in general. I had given up in life.
Then came Matanya’s Hope. I thank God because of them; they are giving hope to many children who lost hope in life. I being among them. Matanya’s Hope has changed the world for me and my family.
In 2008, my whole life was transformed from hopelessness to hope… one level to another.
I was brought up in a family of six children. My parents were not able to provide us with basic needs such as soap, tissue paper, or even a pencil for school. Sometimes, we had no choice but to go to bed without food. Education was also a tough struggle for my mum and dad who were jobless. Unless they worked for someone doing odd jobs, we did not have money to buy food. My parents did not earn enough money to support our education and therefore, one of my brothers and sisters dropped out of school in class five. During that time, my sister and I were in nursery school. We missed a lot of school because there was no money for our school fees.
This is the bed I slept in with my 3 siblings. We did not have a mattress. We used torn clothing to fill the spaces between the wood.
In 2003, Kenya announced FREE PRIMARY EDUCATION; I passed the interview well and I joined class one. I had to stay at home for one good year without going to a single day of school because we could not afford the books and pencils. They were not available to me.
The next year, I managed to go to class. My parents struggled to buy me one thin book of a few blank pages which I used to write all the subjects in. I worked very hard and I used to be among the top students. I was given books and pencils as rewards and therefore, I was lucky to get some more supplies through my hard work.
I finally had hope to continue with my education, but in 2005, when I was in class 3, my dad passed away. I was only 10 years old. I wept so much.
Life after his burial became very tough for all of us. We could not support ourselves and when we needed the support of our extended family, they started turning against us. They threatened to grab our land and make it their own. They forced my mum to leave home and she knew that she did not have a choice but to go. She left us behind… we were now on our own. My sister and I had no choice but to abandon school so that we could provide for the rest of our family. Among them was my little brother who was a toddler of two years old. We struggled too much and it was after a lot of suffering that our grandmother started taking care of us. She loved us so much but the same relatives who wanted to grab our land also did not want her to support our family.
Matanya’s Hope built us a new home. They gave us all we needed to be comfortable.
She provided us with food and took care of my little brother. My sister and I returned to school. The pupils were now very much ahead of us but we tried our best to catch up with them. It was no use; staying at home for that long caused my marks to drop and my position was taken by someone else. This hurt me so much.
I refused to quit. I pulled up my socks until I came back to my position. My teachers were very happy. They helped me by giving me text books.
IN 2007, my sister was introduced to Michelle by Mr. and Mrs. Mugo. Through them, my sister’s life was never to be the same again. She was provided with clothes, shoes, and many items of which I also benefited from. In 2008, she was taken to a boarding school where her education was much better. She was provided with all of the books, uniforms, bedding, supplies, and even the toiletries that she needed. I was elated to see my sister in a good school. I found myself believing that we would make a step ahead and that our lives would never remain the same.
Me standing in front of the Victory Academy sign. This was like a dream come true! I was going to boarding school!
I benefited too. Mr. and Mrs. Mugo introduced me to Michelle in 2009. I was taken to the same boarding school where my sister studied. I was so happy and worked hard to ensure that I kept my top position.
The family was still intending to cause us harm; they were not happy and envied us openly. They refused to be associated with us and separated themselves from us during any family celebration. Though they did this to us, I am very proud of my grandmother who supported us and encouraged us to work hard in school and to put God first in all that we did. She also encouraged us to use the opportunity that Matanya’s Hope and our sponsor Tim had given us. I spent my vacations from school near my grandmother for her good stories. Some made me laugh, some encouraged me never to give up in life; others acted as a warning. Through her, I learned to cope with life. But our time was short. In that same year, she passed away. I got the information when I was at school. I wept too much.
Our director encouraged us. He told us that she passed away from old age. But she was the only one who loved, cared for and supported us. It was during her burial that my mum came back and she took us to live with her.
Matanya’s Hope gave us a better education. It gave me hope for a future life. I know that my dreams will materialize.
Matanya’s Hope provided our family with a shelter which was built for us to live in and to study in. They provided me with clothing, bedding and even sheep which enable us to earn a living. We sell the offspring when we have a need to be fulfilled. Our sponsor and Matanya’s Hope are taking so many people from my community to new heights.
This photo was taken during the most recent mission. I am holding some of the pens given to me. Bless them for all they do!
I found encouragement through them that it is not all lost; there is still way for a better tomorrow. I pray to The Almighty to bless our program so that it can change other people’s lives too. There is no discrimination here, regardless of status, tribe or colour. Matanya’s Hope supports all kinds of people from Kenya and beyond. I believe that I will make it in life. My dream is to become a teacher. One day, it will be me giving hope to students. I know I will support needy children as I am being helped today. God bless Matanya’s Hope forever and ever.
Yours affectionately,
Kamanga Jane Wangui
PSALMS 23:1-6
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
3 He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely Your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of The Lord
forever.
Me and my best friend in High School. It is a miracle that I am here at such a great institution for learning.
Imagine, this is my old school. Though the floors were dirt, I was happy to be in school.
