If there is a moment in his life that he will live to remember is the day Hyram was enrolled in UKR high school education scholarship program. Hyram recounts the events of that day vividly. Looking back at his life, he says that the education support from UKR came in at a crucial time when he needed it most.
Like any other student at the time, Hyram had high aspirations of joining high school after successfully producing an outstanding performance in his primary school final exams Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) to further his education.
The financial situation of the family at that moment would alter his father’s plan of seeing both Hyram and his twin sister proceed to high school as the father could not afford to pay the school fees for both siblings. Hyram’s father Stephen did manual jobs in the village to provide basic needs for the family.
Luckily, Hyram was enrolled in our high school scholarship program. He received a call-up to join Vihiga High school in Vihiga. He shares that the school environment was conducive for him to achieve his dreams. The sister was forced to repeat grade eight to give room to his father to save enough money for her high school fees.
Hyram’s family lives in Handidi village about 5 kilometers from Kakamega town. It consists of four children in addition to Hyram’s father and mother. Hyram’s sister is currently in form 4 while his younger brother schools in the nearby school.
Hyram acknowledges that the scholarship he received made him create some best moments in his life. Apart from the support in school uniforms, school levies, stationery, revision books, and pocket money among other requirements he received throughout his four years in high school from UKR, he points out that UKR high school retreats were of great impact.
“During the retreat, we learned different things, how to manage time, life skills, how to start business projects, spirituality, and how to tackle different challenges like drug abuse and peer pressure,” he said.
He added “It was nice. It showed us love. We ate and drank well. We played games and enjoyed interacting with our peers. They (UKR) rewarded the best performers. My parents were happy when I came back home with a present.”
While in high school, Hyram was also supported by UKR to start a poultry project. Being a dedicated fellow, the project picked up well and he used the profit to buy food for the family. He also bought a goat with the profit he got from the project.
The education support Hyram received contributed immensely to his personal growth and improvement in his academics. It made him have a smooth flow in his academics and in turn visualize the actualization of his dreams. He never left anything to chance and the situation at home would act as a motivation factor pushing him to give out his best in class.
His resilience finally paid as he produced yet another outstanding performance in his final high school exams Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) that earned him a direct entry into university with a partial government scholarship to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Disaster Management at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in Kakamega. His urge to save human lives through humanitarian assistance prompted his choice of career.
However, Hyram’s parents do not have enough financial muscle to support his university education hence UKR coming to their help. Hyram’s father is the breadwinner of the family and does not have a stable source of income. He depends on bodaboda (motorcycle) taxi driver business which does not produce a constant profit. The hike in fuel prices (gas) has immensely affected the business of late.
The larger part of the profits he gets from the business is channeled toward supporting Hyram’s sister who is in her final year of high school. The remaining part is used to provide for the family’s basic needs like food and clothing which is not enough.
Hyram reported to the university in August 2022 thanks to the support he received in university fees and levies, upkeep money, and a laptop among other requirements from UKR.
“I want to thank UKR for standing with me. It feels great that I am the first one in my family to join the university. To the sponsors, I sincerely appreciate the support you have given me and am continuing to get. May the almighty God grant you long life. My heart will never forget how much you have helped me. Much Love,” said an excited Hyram who has begun his studies at MMUST.
Hyram is optimistic that on completion of his university education and securing a job, he will be able to raise the living standards of his family by paying fees for his younger siblings and also provide for the family’s basic needs.
Stephen, a proud dad expresses his hopes that Hyram will utilize the support he has received well and bring out the best of him.
“Being in the university will equip him with more skills and introduce him to a new environment. The education will help him grow,” he said.
With a strong personality, the certainty of Hyram’s future going for the best is on. His craving for a brighter future, uplifting his family, and accomplishing his goals and ambitions might not be far from reality.