Amos and Kennedy
Amos Safari 4 years old
In November 2010 Amos was given a place in Kindergarden 1 to begin school in January 2011. We knew that he was from a very poor family. In January, he failed to turn up for school. When Joshua made enquiries his mother said that she could not afford to get him a uniform. When we were told about this we immediately asked Joshua to provide a uniform and make sure that Amos attended school.
On our visit we met Amos in class enjoying his porridge breakfast. Joshua then told us more about Amos’ family.
His father is blind and begs each day outside Nakumatt, the local supermarket.
His mother has epilepsy and during one of her seizures fell onto the fire and badly burnt her hand. Joshua is helping her to get her Birth Certificate sorted out as she cannot write her name and has no thumb to give a print.
They have four other children, three older than Amos and one younger.
Kennedy
Kennedy’s father was killed in a ferry accident when Kennedy was 13 years old. His mother died one year later. None of their extended family were able to help them. Kennedy promised his mum that he would always look after his younger brother, Thomas. This he has somehow managed to do.
After leaving Mikoroshoni Kennedy was sponsored to go to Secondary School. He would do his school work during the day and at night took a job as a night watchman to earn money for food & clothes for himself and Thomas.
Kennedy had wanted to become a male nurse but unfortunately his final grade was not enough to allow him to do this.
The photo shows him at work in a café owned by Victor’s wife Christine. At the end of each day, after paying his own bus fares and Thomas’ bus fares & lunch he had 30shillings left (20pence)! But he was just so happy to have a job.
The good news now is that while we were in Kenya, Kennedy was enrolled on a Diploma course in Food & Beverages. His sponsors are supporting him through college.
JUST TWO OF OUR PUPILS WHO HAVE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
Footnote:
‘The Friends of Mikoroshoni Primary School’ need many more supporters if the school is to continue to develop. If you would like to make a donation or join our £40 a year Gift Scheme then please contact us – the details are given below:
www.justgiving.com then entering Mikoroshoni in their search box, this will display the ‘Friends of Mikoroshoni PS’ page and double click on this to see our site.