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As an alumna of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology and now a proud construction manager, I speak on behalf of my siblings — Marion July, currently studying Human Nutrition and Dietetics at The Mawego National Polytechnic; Jerryan Aluoch, a former student of Godbura Secondary School; and Shamira Awino, currently at St. Mary’s Nyakango Secondary School — to express our heartfelt gratitude for the vital role you’ve played in our educational journeys. In a world where support is often hard to come by, you, our uncle, stood in the gap. You didn’t just offer help — you stepped into a father’s shoes with grace, strength, and unwavering generosity. I truly believe that our late dad, with whom you share the same name Lumumba, must be smiling down with pride, knowing that his cousin chose to carry his torch and guide us forward. Your mentorship, your faith in our potential, your financial support, and most of all, your steadfastness as a father figure have not only shaped our academic paths but have also molded our character. You brought out the best in us when we needed it most. We are beyond grateful. Your kindness has left a mark on our hearts, and we hope that you continue to be a light in the lives of others, just as you’ve been in ours. Thank you — for everything.
Lumumba Sisters - Heartfelt Gratitude
I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support you've given me - your generosity, belief in my potential, and commitment to my success have been life-changing. Your selfless help, especially in covering my rent and school fees, has not only relieved financial burdens but also empowered me to dream bigger and pursue my goals with confidence. Your actions have taught me the true meaning of philanthropy: giving without expecting anything in return. You've shown me that education is a powerful tool for both personal growth and community transformation. Because of you, I now strive to embody compassion, resilience, and a desire to uplift others. You are more than a benefactor—you are a mentor, a role model, and an inspiration. I carry your lessons with me and am dedicated to honoring your legacy by paying it forward. Thank you for being my guiding light. I will make the most of the opportunities you've given me and work to create a ripple effect of positive change.
Chris Powell - With Heartfelt Gratitude
I am Davin Awino Ojiambo, and my journey has been carved through loss, struggle, and fierce determination. As a total orphan, I grew up moving from one unstable home to another, carrying nothing but a fragile hope inside me. Life dealt me heavy blows early - becoming a teenage mother and finishing high school with a failing grade. For a long time, it felt like my dreams had been buried for good. But one phone call changed my life. My teacher, Madam Quinter who once believed in me, reached out, reminding me that my story wasn’t finished. With the help of a kind sponsor, Patrick, I was given a second chance to return to school and rebuild what I thought was lost. I was taken in, supported, and, for the first time in a long while, reminded that I still mattered. Today, I am proud to be studying for my Bachelor of Education in Mathematics and Chemistry at Maseno University. Every step forward reminds me that even the deepest despair can be rewritten with love, belief, and opportunity. My dream now is to return to the classroom not just as a student, but as a teacher who helps others believe that no situation is too broken for hope.
Davin Awino Ojiambo - Loss, Struggles, and Fierce Determination.
From Despair to Determination: Davin’s Journey (Summary) Born into loss and instability, Davin Awino Ojiambo grew up without the comfort of a stable home, navigating a life defined by survival. Even in those darkest moments, a quiet strength flickered within her - a resilience seen by her former teacher, Quinter. When Quinter learned Davin had become a teen mother, overwhelmed and barely scraping through school, it seemed her dreams had slipped away. But Quinter couldn’t forget her. One phone call reignited Davin’s hope. With the support of Patrick Deya, who fully sponsored her return to school, and with Quinter as her guardian and unwavering champion, Davin fought her way back - step by determined step. From a failing grade to the top of her class, she transformed her life. Now pursuing a Bachelor’s in Education at Maseno University, Davin is set to become a teacher - determined to inspire others just as she was inspired. Her story is not just about overcoming hardship - it’s a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of compassion, belief, and second chances.
Quinter Otieno – Ndiru Secondary School
When Judith Adhiambo came to our school, she carried not just her academic struggles, but the heavy weight of deferred dreams and a future in jeopardy. Having already repeated her final year and still falling short of university admission, Judith made a courageous choice - to step one class back and rebuild from the ground up. A partial orphan with a supportive but unemployed father and a family stretched beyond their limits, Judith was urged to settle for less. Yet she refused to give up on her dream of becoming a high school teacher and inspiring others like herself. She didn’t seek charity—only a chance—and we were honored to give it to her, with Patrick once again stepping in to make it possible. In our care, Judith found peace, stability, and her voice. Today, she is studying for a Bachelor of Education at Rongo University, her dream no longer a distant hope but a living, unfolding reality. Her story stands as a powerful testament to resilience, support, and the extraordinary transformation that happens when hope is met with opportunity.
Madam Quinter Otieno – On Judith Adhiambo
Everyone has a story, and mine is one of struggle, resilience, and unexpected hope. My name is Ketrine Odidi, the second of five children, and currently a Counseling Psychology student at Eldoret National Polytechnic. My early education was smooth thanks to the support of my uncles, but secondary school was a different story — marked by frequent interruptions due to lack of school fees. Despite the hardships, I remained determined and eventually completed my KCSE in 2023 with a C plain. After high school, I was consumed by fear and despair. With outstanding school balances and no certificate, I felt stuck — unable to move forward and watching my mother stretched beyond her limits. My dream of further education seemed out of reach, and hopelessness crept in. Then, in what felt like divine intervention, I met a man in a restaurant — Mr. Patrick Lumumba Deya. He was speaking with my former teacher, and from that brief encounter, I found the courage to share my story. That bold step changed my life. Touched by my determination, Mr. Deya stepped in, paid my school arrears, ensured I received my certificate, and helped me gain admission to college. He became more than a benefactor — he became family. He makes sure I’m housed, fed, and able to focus on my studies. His support rekindled my hope, gave me strength, and made my dreams possible. Today, I proudly and gratefully celebrate Mr. Patrick Lumumba Deya — my guiding light and source of joy. May God lift him to even greater heights.
Ketrine Odidi – Journey of Hope
My name is Seline Adhiambo Obunge, and my journey has been one of unexpected grace and second chances. After my stepfather forced me out of our home, I went to live with my grandmother. I had done well in primary school, but we had no money for secondary school fees. My mother, heartbroken, was even thinking of having me repeat my final year of primary school while she tried to save whatever she could. But then, hope found me. My mother’s employer—a teacher who cared—listened to our story and shared it with a kind-hearted sponsor, Patrick Deya. Because of their belief in me, I was able to join high school and pursue my education without fear of being sent home for fees. I completed high school successfully with a C plain, and every step of that journey reminds me that when someone believes in you, everything can change. I am forever grateful for the chance I was given to chase a future that once seemed out of reach.
Seline Adhiambo - Unexpected Grace and Second Chances
In my life’s journey, my uncle has been a constant source of strength, belief, and mentorship. His unwavering support has turned distant dreams into real possibilities, not just through financial help, but through his deep faith in my potential and commitment to my education. His generosity is more than kindness—it’s a powerful expression of hope and trust in a brighter future. He has equipped me with the resources, encouragement, and guidance to envision and pursue a life beyond limitations. What sets him apart is how he uplifts both my education and my spirit. His wisdom reminds me that challenges are not barriers but steppingstones. His words and actions fuel my perseverance and shape the mission of my NGO, which is rooted in the same values he embodies: generosity, mentorship, and community empowerment. Through his example, I’ve learned the power of one person’s impact. His influence inspires me to work hard, give back, and help create opportunities for others. His belief in me is a gift I carry with deep gratitude - a force that continues to guide and motivate me to make a difference. Thank you, Uncle, for being my steadfast supporter, my inspiration, and my guiding light.
Collins Omondi Kabari: A Pillar of Strength and Belief