If resilience and hard work were to describe a person, then that would be an understatement for Brandon Musungu, a 19-year-old boy who comes from a very humble background in Emulomonye village in Kakamega county.
Brandon lost his parents in 2012 when he was in class three, deeming his ambitions of becoming a pilot. He was left behind with his two siblings; Snorine Sanganjira and Michael Wasike.
Their aunt Everline Nafula took them in after their parent’s burial since they had no one to take care of them. Life was not a walk in the park for Everline and her husband Emmanuel Ndukwe. The family had become big and keeping in mind they had no formal job, it was a challenge to provide for the children’s basic needs.
Everline recalls going to work at the neighbors’ farm occasionally for her to get the family’s meals. They would sometimes survive on one meal a day. Sometimes she would not be paid and that prompted them to sleep on an empty stomach.
On the other hand, Emmanuel used to do manual jobs like breaking rocks, digging pit latrines, and other handy jobs to get the money that would cater to the children’s school fees, uniforms, and school levies.
They sold indigenous vegetables on a small scale and firewood to pay school fees for Brandon who was schooling in a private school; St. Francis Academy Shimanyiro. It wasn’t easy for Everline and Emmanuel to give a promising future for the children, they lived a hand-to-mouth life.
“I never knew I would complete my primary education, not to mention proceeding with secondary and maybe tertiary level. Most of my cousins have been schooled up to class eight. I thought I will be a victim of the same but I thank God for UKR which has supported my education all through” stated Brandon.
Brandon was enrolled in our high school scholarship program in 2018. On receiving the news, his family members were so happy that finally, Brandon’s star will shine, he had shown the ability to work hard in his studies since childhood.
“He was a bright student from kindergarten to primary school. We were challenged on how to support his education but when UKR came in, we were grateful to God. He had answered our prayers,” stated Everline.
“He is a well-mannered boy. He is a role model to his siblings and the community at large. He has kept the books he received from UKR in good condition. His siblings and cousins who are still schooling in both primary and secondary school usually use them,” added Everline.
UKR supported Brandon with school fees, school levies, uniform, stationary, and pocket money among other school necessities throughout his primary and high school education. This helped Brandon to settle into school and learn well. His performance improved drastically something that impressed not only his teachers but also his family.
Emmanuel, Brandon’s uncle was very keen on the children’s performance. He coached them on areas of strength and weaknesses so that they would balance and attain great grades. This too helped Brandon improve his performance.
Brandon sat for the primary school final exam; Kenya Certificate of Primary School Education (KCPE) in November 2018 and produced an outstanding performance. He emerged among the top students in his class. He subsequently received a call-up letter to join Musingu Boys High School in Kakamega. However, his family was in a dilemma of getting Brandon’s high school fees.
It was a great honor for the family when UKR took on the uphill task of supporting Brandon’s high school education.
“I never imagined joining a boarding school. I only heard stories from my peers who came from well-off families. They used to boast of life in boarding schools. It was indeed a rare chance for me. UKR made my dreams come true, I am so grateful,” said Brandon.
After four years in high school, Brandon sat for his high school final exams Kenya Certificate of Secondary School Education in March 2022. His performance was very good, earning him university admission with a partial government scholarship at Tom Mboya University in Homabay county to pursue Bachelor’s Degree in Education Science, Geography, and Mathematics major. He reported to the university on 5th September 2022.
He has expressed his immense joy that another door has opened for him to proceed with his education.
“I am overwhelmed with joy on receiving the university admission letter. It has been my dream to join university and pursue my career of choice,” said Brandon.
Brandon’s university education will be supported by UKR right from his first year through to the fourth year. UKR provided him with support in university fees and levies, a laptop, and upkeep money among other requirements that he needs to make his life in the university a success.
“I am so happy that finally I have joined Tom Mboya University. It’s a memorable moment in my life. Thank you to UKR for the support they have channeled toward my education. May God bless them abundantly and exceedingly,” said Brandon after admission into Tom Mboya university.
Brandon has proved to be an all-around teenager who is sharp not only in education but also in agriculture and sports. From the time he completed his high school education, he developed an interest in agriculture. He has planted indigenous vegetables; kales, Kunde, managu, saga, mitoo and mrenda as locally referred which are used by the family for consumption.
He is also a sportsman who plays soccer. He was a great player while in high school and currently trains at a neighboring school field, Shimanyiro Primary school.
After completing university education, Brandon plans to support his siblings’ education, build his uncle and aunt a modern house and buy them a dairy cow which would earn them money to cater to their basic needs. He also plans to support orphans and other less fortunate children to achieve their education ambitions.
The story of Brandon is so inspiring that has made me realize that everything is possible. Thank you to all organizations like UKR for giving less fortunate a chance to transform their lives. God bless.