MeetTheStudents

The week of February 1, 2010, the Ajiri Foundation sent its first 6 orphans to school. Four of these students entered Form I (9th grade), and two are in primary school. Nick Miyogo, our Kenyan co-worker, took each orphan individually to buy their school supplies and then to drop them off at school. The boarding schools are located throughout western Kenya. For some of these children and their guardians, this was the first time they had left their village.

Both of 14-year-old Billiah's parents died from AIDS four months ago. She, her two younger sisters, and three younger brothers were divided among relatives throughout Kenya. Billiah and her youngest brother live with their aunt in Kisumu, the biggest city in western Kenya. Billiah joined Standard 8 (8th grade) and aims to score well on her exams to attend a good high school next year.

Fanisha is 14 years old, a smart, observant, and serious student. She and her sister live with their grandmother since their father died from AIDS and their mother left. Her grandmother's sister was the first woman employed by Ajiri Tea to make labels. Fanisha joined Form I (9th grade).

John is 15 years old, the second youngest of 5 children. His father died of pneumonia in 1997, and his mother is employed by Ajiri Tea to make the labels, twine, and beads. John began Form I (9th grade). His journey to boarding school was the first time he had ever left his village.

Geoffrey is 14 years old. His father died in 2000, and his mother died from AIDS in 2006. Geoffrey and his five siblings were cared for by their grandmother until her death three months ago. Now Geoffrey and his younger siblings are supported by their older brother, a mechanic. Despite his many hardships, Geoffrey is very jovial, outgoing, and always smiling. He started Form I (9th grade).

Diana, a shy, smiling 11-year-old, loves school. Both of her parents died from AIDS, leaving Diana HIV+ as well. She lives with her grandparents on the outskirts of Kisii Town. The Ajiri Foundadtion supports Diana with a school uniform, books, shoes, and toiletries.

Fourteen-year-old Winston joined Form I (9th grade) at one of the best boarding schools in western Kenya. His father died from AIDS and his mother, Damaris, is HIV+. Damaris works with one of Ajiri Tea women's groups to create labels. Winston is a serious student and performs very well in school.