The Progress of our first 12 students approximately 10 years on

The majority of the first 8 and the next 4 that followed described themselves as either total or partial orphans. But even as partial orphans where one parent still survives the problem of day to day survival could be more extreme than it appreared.

George's mother for example was extremely ill when we first met up with him, so as the eldest he not only had to be the 'bread winner' for the family and try to find fees for his own schooling but also find ways to look after his very sick mother. With the help of his 13 year old sister ( Eunice) he was just about coping. Then with SSF help, his fees were paid and he did well in his final exams and Eunice followed him into secondary school whilst he attempted and succeeded at his own busines ventures.

So what did they achieve between them?

1) George - Business Man in Busia (Kenyan town on the Ugandan border)

2) Samuel - University Graduate

3) Calvince - Branch Manager of Sun King Solar Power Company

4) Lawrence - ECD Teacher- married and a very successful teacher

5) Edwina - Works in a Mombasa hotel

6) Christine - used the SSF sewing machines to become a talented seamstress - now works in Oyugis (near by town) as a dress maker

7) Millicent - works in her uncle's Mpesa shop business

8) Treezer - Perhaps the most talented seamstress now works in Tailoring in Nairobi

9) Lydia - An English Literature university graduate teacher

10) Ladyisha - A married mother of 3 children who is a primary teacher on the plateau near Miriu

11) Erastus - Very successful science graduate from Kenya's top university and now experienced science teacher

12) Roselyn - another very successful seamstress who works with Treezer