Class of 2015

Name: Annah L.
Gender: Female
School: Starehe Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Annah is 15 years old and is from the Rift Valley province. Annah is the second of 8 children, and her parents do not have a stable source of income to support the needs of their large family. Annah's older brother finished secondary school with the help of a well wisher, and her younger siblings are in the local primary school. Annah is very athletic and enjoys running and playing on a soccer team. She participates in the Red Cross club at school, and her dream is to become a doctor and role model for other girls in her area.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 385

Name: Antony K.
Gender: Male
School: Rongai Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Antony is 16 years old and is from Kitui District in the Eastern Province of Kenya. He comes from a family with 7 children. His parents are elderly and unemployed, and he would not be able to attend high school without financial assistance. According to his teacher, Antony is obedient and disciplined. His dream is to become an electrical engineer and to be able to provide support for needy children in his community. Outside of the classroom, Antony enjoys volleyball and soccer. And, he recently competed in a public speaking contest where he was awarded a certificate. Antony is partially funded but still needs $400 per year for 3 years to complete his scholarship.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 401

Name: Bill L.
Gender: Male
School: Rongai Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Bill is 16 years old and is from the Rift Valley Province. He is the fourth born of 5 children, and both of his parents are alive but neither have a steady income; they farm a small plot of land to provide basic needs. His older siblings did not go to school because of lack of fees, but both Bill and his younger sister were able to attend primary school when it became free in Kenya in 2003. Bill is a disciplined and hardworking student who wants to become a doctor. He is very grateful for the chance to go to secondary school and tells us, "I know if I utilize this opportunity wisely, I will transform my life, my family and the community at large. I promise to use this opportunity wisely." Outside of the classroom, he enjoys playing soccer and volleyball.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 372

Name: Boniface W.
Gender: Male
School: Rongai Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Boniface is 16 years old and is from Nairobi. Ten years ago, both of his parents passed away, and Boniface moved in with a cousin in the slums of Kibera. This cousin has his own children to provide for and could not afford to send Boniface to secondary school. Because of his financial difficulties, Boniface had to wait nearly three years to start high school at the top-rated Rongai Boys School with an EFAC scholarship. Boniface is a motivated student who dreams about going to university and becoming a surgeon. His primary school teacher tells us, "He is a well behaved boy and has an excellent academic ability." He wants to help the needy when he becomes independent and self-sustaining. He really enjoys reading and researching.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 366

Name: Bonface W.
Gender: Male
School: St. Mary's Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: After 5 years of living on the streets of Nyeri, Bonface was taken in by the St. Mary’s Child Rescue Center, run by the De La Salle Brothers, where he was provided boarding and primary school fees. Bonface and the other children at the Rescue Center live side-by-side with the secondary school students at St. Mary’s High School, an EFAC partner school; the high school students provide an “older brother” influence for the children in the Rescue Center. Bonface performed so well in primary school that he was offered a spot in St. Mary’s High School upon completion of 8th grade, and thanks to an EFAC scholarship he is able to not only continue his education but also give back to the Rescue Center as an “older brother” for the new children in the center.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE):

Name: Caroline M.
Gender: Female
School: Alliance High School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Caroline is from Machakos, a very remote area of Kenya, where she lives with her parents and 3 siblings. Her parents farm a small plot of land to support their family but recent drought conditions have made it difficult to cover their basic necessities. But Caroline is a very bright, hard-working student and was the top girl from her area on the 2010 KCPE, earning a spot at Alliance High School, her dream school and one of the best schools in Kenya. Unfortunately, Caroline’s family could not afford secondary school fees so she thought she would be unable to accept her spot at Alliance. But, when her story was covered in the media, EFAC contacted her to offer a scholarship to attend Alliance, and she was ecstatic and very grateful for the opportunity.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 407

Name: Celestine T.
Gender: Female
School: Starehe Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Celestine is 16 years old and is from the Rift Valley province. Celestine is the youngest of 6 children. Her mother passed away four years ago, and her father provides basic needs for his family with small-scale farming. Celestine's goal is to become a doctor to help alleviate suffering in her country. She enjoys playing basketball in her free time and has joined the Young Farmers Club at school.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 390

Name: Charity B.
Gender: Female
School: Starehe Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Charity is the third born of 5 children, and they live with their single mother who sells vegetables at a local market. The family relies on assistance from the government and NGOs to meet their basic needs. Because of Charity's strong academic record, she earned a spot at the private Bukaria School to complete her primary education. Charity is especially strong in math and is interested in studying economics or engineering in college. Outside of the classroom, Charity is involved in the Home Science club at school and enjoys playing soccer and reading novels. She also enjoys singing and dancing and going on adventures with her friends. Charity was the top scoring girl in her district on the KCPE.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 400

Name: Charo S.
Gender: Female
School: Vanessa Grant Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Charo is 14 years old and is from the Malindi district in the Coast province. She has 2 sisters and 3 brothers and her father works as a charcoal burner to provide basic needs for his family. Three of her siblings dropped out of school after eighth grade because of lack of funds. Charo is bright and enjoys school; her primary school teacher tells us that Charo is "polite, hardworking and self-disciplined." Her dream is to become a teacher and help needy children in her village.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 341

Name: Clare W.
Gender: Female
School: Bahati Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Clare is the third born in a family of 4 children. To support their family, her father is a tailor and her mother farms a small plot of land. Her parents’ income has dropped recently because of recent drought conditions which wiped out her mother’s crops, and they cannot afford to send Clare to secondary school. But, Clare is bright and determined and ranked 4th out of 131 students in her eighth grade class helping her to earn a spot at top-rated Bahati Girls School. With an EFAC scholarship, Claire can achieve her dream to become successful and give back to her family. She is currently in her first year of high school at Bahati Girls School and is doing particularly well in Geography, Physics, and Biology.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 319

Name: David N.
Gender: Male
School: Rongai Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: David is 15 years of age and is from the Nyanza province in southwestern Kenya. David and his 6 siblings live with their single mother who is a casual laborer and struggles to provide basic needs for her family. David would like to help the needy when his dream of being self sustainable becomes true. He is very grateful for the opportunity to go to Rongai Boys School that he tells us is full "of happiness." His goal is to work hard in secondary school so he can study engineering in university.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 371

Name: Delva M.
Gender: Female
School: Vanessa Grant Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Delva is 14 years of age and is from Nairobi, Kenya. Her father left home when Delva was young, and her mother supports Delva and her younger sister as a clerk in a transport company. With the help of friends, Delva was able to finish primary school but knew she would not be able to attend secondary school with a scholarship. Delva is ambitious and hard working and dreams about becoming a surgeon and helping the sick. She is very grateful for the opportunity to study at Vanessa Grant Girls School.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 350

Name: Denis M.
Gender: Male
School: St. Mary's Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Denis is from Kitui, a rural town in Eastern Province. He is 15 years old and comes from a poor family. The only income his parents have is from a small plot of land where they grow crops. Denis has an older sister who dropped out of high school because of lack of fees, and Denis was worried that he, too, would have to quit school after eighth grade. But, he worked hard in primary school and finished 1st out of 62 students in his eighth grade class. His teacher tells us that Denis is “quite well disciplined and given a good learning environment he can do well.” Receiving an EFAC scholarship was a dream come true for Denis. His goal in life is to become an electrical engineer or architect and tells us he enjoys "connection of wires." Outside of the classroom, he enjoys netball and handball.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 392

Name: Diana M.
Gender: Female
School: Bahati Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Diana is 14 years old and is the oldest of two children. Her father is a mason, and her mother has a stall at the local market but they struggle to meet the basic needs of their family. Diana is a bright, hard-working student who ranked 5th in her eighth grade class of 92 students. Her diligence in primary school paid off when she was admitted to the top-ranked Bahati Girls School.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE):

Name: Drusilla S.
Gender: Female
School: Naivasha School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Drusilla is 13 years old and is the fourth born of 6 children; 3 boys and 3 girls. Both of her parents are alive but neither have steady income, and the family lives off the produce of their small plot. According to her teachers, Drusilla is honest, committed and industrious. She enjoys sports, especially volleyball and netball, and her dream is to be a doctor or lawyer so she can help the needy in her career.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 385

Name: Eddah K.
Gender: Female
School: Bahati Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Eddah is the third born of four children. Her father left the family in 2008, and her mother supports her family with odd jobs. The family lost their home in 2007 post-election violence and moved to an Internally Displaced Persons Camp. Because of this turmoil, her older brother and sister had to drop out of school. But, Eddah would like to continue her education. Eddah’s head teacher at the Ortum Primary School encouraged Eddah to apply for a scholarship. Her teacher tells us that Eddah is “a very industrious girl and was third overall in the school out of 113 girls. She was also outstanding in leadership as a class prefect. She is young but well-focused.” Eddah is in her first year of high school at Bahati Girls School and is doing particularly well in Chemistry, Biology and Math.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 352

Name: Eric M.
Gender: Male
School: St. Mary's Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Eric is 14 years old and is from Machakos in the Eastern Province. His father was murdered in 2002 and he lives with his mother and younger sister. His mother is unemployed and struggles to provide basic necessities for her family. Eric's pastor tells us that Eric is "well-behaved and committed." His dream is to become successful so he can support his mother and make her happy. In his first year in high school, he is doing particularly well in Swahili and Computers and has joined the soccer club at school.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 370

Name: Eunice M.
Gender: Female
School: Vanessa Grant Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Eunice, 15 , is from Kilala in the Eastern Province of Kenya. Eunice is the second born of 2 children, raised by her single mother. When her mother passed away in 2006, Eunice and her brother moved in with a maternal uncle. Her uncle had his own family to support and struggled to support Eunice and her brother. When her primary school teacher learned that Eunice stopped attending 8th grade because she didn't have money for the national eighth grade exam, the KCPE, her teacher paid the fees so Eunice could go to high school. Eunice performed very well on the KCPE, but her uncle could not afford school fees so Eunice worked as house help while applying for scholarships. When she learned that EFAC wanted to sponsor her, she was ecstatic. In her first year of high school at Vanessa Grant Girls School, Eunice says that, "Since I joined this school, I have not had any problems. The teachers and students are very kind to me and assist me in my studies. I am fine and doing well in my studies."

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 355

Name: Eunice P.
Gender: Female
School: Kenya High School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Eunice is 12 years old and is from one of the poorest communities in Kenya. Her parents are elderly and struggle to provide the basic needs for Eunice and her 6 siblings. Her ambition was to join a good national school and was thrilled when she was offered a spot at top-rated Kenya High. She knew her parents could not afford the school fees, but with an EFAC scholarship she will be able to finish high school and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. In her first year at Kenya High, Eunice is doing well especially in Chemistry and Physics and enjoys participating in the schools 'venturing' program.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 368

Name: Gideon G.
Gender: Male
School: St. Mary's Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Gideon is from Nyeri County where he lives with his mother and 4 siblings. His father abandoned the family when Gideon was young, and his HIV-positive mother has struggled to provide for her large family. In spite of the challenges at home, Gideon excelled well in primary school and was the first person in his family to finish eighth grade. One of his teachers from primary school realized that Gideon was a gifted student and helped him apply for scholarships so he could attend secondary school. Gideon enjoys singing and dreams about becoming a doctor.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 382

Name: Gladys L.
Gender: Female
School: Vanessa Grant Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Gladys is 16 years old and is from Nakuru. When Gladys' parents passed away she went to work as a house girl. But in 2002, her uncle took Gladys and her siblings in and sent them to primary school. This was the beginning of free primary education in Kenya. One of her brothers is now attending Rongai Boys School under EFAC and the elder one works as a herdsman in the village. Her teacher tells us that Gladys is "humble, disciplined and hardworking." She placed first out of 60 students in her eighth grade class and is very grateful for the opportunity to attend Vanessa Grant Girls School.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 388

Name: Harrison M.
Gender: Male
School: Rongai Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Harrison is 13 years old and is from Dandora, outside of Nairobi. Harrison and his younger sister live with his mother who works as a vegetable vendor to provide basic necessities for her family. Harrison's father passed away when Harrison was young and his mother cannot afford secondary school fees for Harrison. But, Harrison is a bright and disciplined student who is very grateful for the opportunity to attend Rongai Boys School. He tells us that, "It would take a whole book to explain the beauty of this school. The atmosphere of this place is the best." Harrison promises to work hard in high school and is thinking about becoming an engineer or neurosurgeon.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 363

Name: Irene K.
Gender: Female
School: Bahati Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Irene is 14 years old and is from Machakos in the Eastern Province. Irene’s father passed away when Irene was young, and her mother struggles to support Irene and her sister as a hotel maid when she can find work. Irene is bright and hard-working, and finished 4th out of 85 students in her eighth grade class. Her dream is to go to university and study medicine so she can help others when she graduates. She is in her first year of high school at top-rated Bahati Girls School and is doing particularly well in Computer Studies and Agriculture.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 362

Name: Ismael N.
Gender: Male
School: Rongai Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Ismael is from the Kitui district in the Eastern province of Kenya. He is the fifth born of 8 children and has 2 brothers and 5 sisters. His parents struggle to provide basic needs for their large family and cannot afford secondary school fees for their children. Ismael assumed he would be able to attend secondary school until his primary school teacher brought him an application for an EFAC scholarship. He is an ambitious young man who promises to do his best to succeed in his academic endeavors now and in the future.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 364

Name: Jackline K.
Gender: Female
School: Bahati Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Jackline is 14 years old, and is the eldest of 4 children. Three years ago, her younger brother was diagnosed with a heart ailment which required costly treatment. Her parents sell trinkets at the market, and they have struggled to support their family’s basic needs. In spite of these difficulties, Jackline did well in primary school and earned over 400 points on the KCPE, earning a spot at the top-rated Bahati Girls School. With support from EFAC, she can pursue her dream of going to high school and helping her parents when she graduates.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 402

Name: Jane O.
Gender: Female
School: Starehe Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Jane is 14 years old and is from the Nyanza province. She is the oldest of three children and she has 2 brothers, ages 10 and 7. Jane's father died in 2004 and her mother died five years later, in 2009. With the help of extended family and well wishers, Jane finished top of her class in primary school. She likes to swim and play netball and her favorite subject is math. Her dream is to work hard and be a role model to other children and to help others in need.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 382

Name: Joan M.
Gender: Female
School: St. Cecilia Girls School Mishiku, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: With an HIV+ and bedridden father, her mother is the sole provider for the family. Joan has an elder brother and sister who are still in school and cannot offer any support to their mother. Her primary head teacher describes Joan as well behaved and responsible. She wants to succeed in her studies and build a good career to sustain her needs and support her family. Joan enjoys sports and drama.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 348

Name: Joseph W.
Gender: Male
School: St. Mary's Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Joseph is 16 years old and is from Laikipia District in the Rift Valley Province. Joseph is the fifth born of 7 children, and his mother struggles to provide basic needs to her large family as a casual laborer and cannot afford secondary school fees for her children. But, Joseph is very bright and works hard in school; he was first in his class of 16 in primary school. Attending top-rated St. Mary's high school is a dream come true for Joseph, and he promises to apply himself. One day, he would like to become a well-known neurosurgeon and to help the less fortunate in his society. Joseph's older sister is also an EFAC scholar and is in her third year at Starehe Girls School.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 393

Name: Joseph M.
Gender: Male
School: St. Mary's Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Joseph is 17 years old and is from Mbagathi, a town outside Nairobi. His father has no stable income, and his mother struggles to support Joseph and his 4 siblings as a vegetable vendor. Joseph was often sent home from primary school because of lack of fees for his uniform and school supplies. Joseph's primary school teacher says that Joseph is "a hard-working boy who is resourceful and obedient." He ranked 1st out of 108 students in his eighth grade class. Joseph is a good dancer, soccer player and is part of the school choir. He is also very involved in community service at St. Marys School. He dreams of helping the needy in his community when he becomes successful.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 380

Name: Joyce G.
Gender: Female
School: Naivasha Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Joyce is from Ongata Rongai in the Rift Valley and is the second born of 5 children. She has three younger sisters and an elder brother. Joyce and her siblings live with their mother who works as a casual laborer and struggles to pay for her family's basic needs. When Joyce finishes high school, she would like to pursue air-craft engineering or the law. Joyce has settled into secondary school pretty well thanks to her out-going nature.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 362

Name: Keziah N.
Gender: Female
School: Bahati Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Keziah is 14 years old, and is the fourth born of 5 children. Her parents do casual labor to support their large family but cannot afford secondary school fees. Keziah is a bright, hard-working student, and it was a dream come true for her when she was offered a spot at Bahati Girls School, the best school in the Rift Valley Province. She is currently in her first year at Bahati and is doing particularly well in Physics, Chemistry and Computer Studies.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 338

Name: Leonard R.
Gender: Male
School: Rongai Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Leonard is 14 years old and is from Nakuru in the Rift Valley province. When his mother passed away in 2005, Leonard and his three siblings moved in with his aunt who supported him through primary school but she cannot afford secondary school fees for Leonard. In 2010, Leonard sat for the KCPE and scored an impressive 366, earning a spot at Rongai Boys School.

According to Leonard, Rongai is "enjoyable because of its facilities" and the "teachers are highly qualified." He is very grateful for the opportunity to attend secondary school and promises to work hard and get the "best grades in every subject." His goal is to do well in high school and study engineering in a public university in Kenya so he can make the future better for himself "and the entire human race."

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 366

Name: Lynette K.
Gender: Female
School: Starehe Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Lynette is 13 years old and is from the the Central province. Her father abandoned the family when Lynette was 11, and her mother works as a casual laborer to support Lynette and her twin sister. When her father left, Lynette thought she would have to leave primary school because of lack of fees, but thanks to well wishers she finished at the top of her primary school class and scored very well on the KCPE, earning a spot at Starehe Girls Centre. Lynette's favorite subjects are math and English, and she enjoys writing compositions. In her free time, Lynette enjoys basketball and reading novels. Her dream is to become a lawyer and defend people in court.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 390

Name: Mercy L.
Gender: Female
School: Naivasha Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Mercy is 14 years old and grew up in Njoro in the Rift Valley Province. Her mother passed away in 2005, and she lives with her father and younger brother. Her father provides for his family doing casual labor but cannot afford school fees. With support from well-wishers, she finished primary school at Roots Academy where she was a top student. Mercy’s life-long dream is to become a cardiologist and be of service to society. In her first year of high school, she is top of her class in Swahili, History and Religious Studies. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys swimming, netball and Red Cross Club.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE):

Name: Mike S.
Gender: Male
School: St. Mary's Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Mike, 15, is from the Maasai Mara and is the last born in a family of four children - 3 boys and 1 girl. With poor elderly parents, Mike would not be able to attend secondary school with financial assistance. He was very excited to learn that he was selected for an EFAC scholarship.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 359

Name: Mirriam K.
Gender: Female
School: Starehe Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Mirriam is 16 years old and is from the Eastern province. She is the first born of two children, and her mother is a casual laborer who relies on support from her brother to sustain her family. Mirriam's favorite pastimes are soccer and reading. She also is an active member of the Young Farmers Club. Her dream is to finish high school and become a neurosurgeon.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 403

Name: Mutheu M.
Gender: Female
School: Starehe Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Mutheu is 14 years old and is from the Taita-Taveta district in the Coast province. Mutheu is the sixth born of eight, with 4 girls and 4 boys. Mutheu's father passed away when Mutheu was young, and Mutheu's mother struggles to provide basic needs for her family as a peasant farmer. Mutheu and 2 of her siblings are still in school but the rest had to drop out because of lack of fees. Because of her strong academic performance, Mutheu was sponsored by a private school to complete her primary education. In her free time, Mutheu enjoys singing and playing soccer, and her goal is to become a lawyer and help disadvantaged children in her country.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 378

Name: Nancy C.
Gender: Female
School: Naivasha Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Nancy is 13 years old and lives with her parents and 4 siblings. The post-election violence of 2007 heavily affected her family, and they have not been able to recover and become self-sufficient. Neither parent is employed, and they rely on well wishers to provide for their family. According to her teachers, Nancy is honest and obedient and is a good debater. She also enjoys long distance running. Her dream is to be an influential person in Kenyan society so she can change her nation for the better.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 378

Name: Peter M.
Gender: Male
School: St. Mary's Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Peter is 16 years old and is from the Kitui district in the Eastern Province of Kenya. In 2006, Peter's mother passed away, and he lives with his father who is unemployed and struggles to pay for the basic needs of his family. Peter is industrious and disciplined and is very happy to be able to go to high school. Peter's dream is to become "a lawyer because it involves justice and fairness."

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 366

Name: Priscah A.
Gender: Female
School: Starehe Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Priscah is 14 years old and is from the Eldorest West district in the Rift Valley province. Priscah is the youngest of five children. Her father works as a security guard and her mother does casual labor but they struggle to provide basic needs for their large family; three of her siblings had to drop out of school because of lack of fees. According to her teachers, Priscah is self-driven, hardworking and disciplined. She likes soccer and would love to help others when she becomes independent and self sustainable.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 393

Name: Richard A.
Gender: Male
School: St. Mary's Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Richard is 15 year of age and is from Mombasa in the Coast Province. Both of his parents are deceased, and he lives with his aunt and her family. Richard had to repeat the KCPE because he didn't have the money to attend secondary school. Richard is bright and hard-working; he ranked first in his eighth grade class of 168 students. His ambition is to become a pilot. Outside of the classroom, Richard enjoys soccer, swimming and surfing and is involved in his school's community service program.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 376

Name: Rose N.
Gender: Female
School: Starehe Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Rose is 16 years old and is from the Western province. Rose and her 7 year old brother live with their single mother who is physically challenged and unemployed. The family does not own any property and do not have a real home. They rely on well wishers for basic needs. Her dream is to become a doctor so she can help support her family and help those in need. Outside of the classroom, Rose likes to play volleyball and has joined the Mathematics club. She also enjoys singing, watching movies and reading novels.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 398

Name: Rosemary M.
Gender: Female
School: Naivasha Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Admission at Naivasha Girls was a dream-come-true for the ambitious and well-mannered Rosemary. Her father passed away in 2004 and her mother is the sole provider for her family. Her eldest sister has a heart condition that requires constant medical attention and her grandmother is also in poor health. Rosemary's goal is to become a doctor so she can help needy people in her society like she has been helped. She would also like to help her mother send her younger siblings to school.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 313

Name: Samuel N.
Gender: Male
School: St. Mary's Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Samuel is 16 years old and grew up in Kikuyu in the Central Province. Both of his parents are alive but his mother is disabled, and his father struggles to support his large family (7 children) as a carpenter. Samuel’s older siblings did not attend secondary school because the family could not afford the fees; but Samuel worked very hard in primary school so he could earn a scholarship to secondary school. He ranked first out of 57 students in his eighth grade class. His primary school teacher says that Samuel is “quite disciplined, obedient and a good leader.” Outside of the classroom, he enjoys soccer and participating in community service. He is very happy at St. Mary’s school and promises to work hard to “make EFAC and his parents proud of him.” His favorite subject in school is history and government and he enjoys playing soccer in his free time.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 383

Name: Shadrack K.
Gender: Male
School: Rongai Boys School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Shadrack is 12 years old and is from the Rift Valley. Though both parents are alive, they are not employed and cannot afford to educate Shadrack and his 7 siblings. His parents have had to rely on the help of their pastor and well wishers to send their children to primary school. According to his primary school teachers, Shadrack is industrious, obedient and responsible; he placed first out of 83 students in his eighth grade class. He likes sports and debating club, and he dreams about helping the needy in the community.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 381

Name: Shanice K.
Gender: Female
School: Vanessa Grant Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Shanice, 15, is from the Rift Valley Province in Kenya. She is the second born of 6 children, and her parents struggle to support their large family because they do not have steady employment. Shanice is a bright, hard-working student, placing 4th out of 34 students in her 8th grade class. In her first year of high school at Vanessa Grant Girls School, Shanice says that "it has been my dream to be in such a school and you've granted my wish of having a great learning place." Outside of the classroom, Shanice enjoys listening to music, discussing politics, reading magazine, and playing soccer. Her career goal is to become an accountant.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 354

Name: Sharon O.
Gender: Female
School: Bahati Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Sharon’s parents were divorced when Sharon was 2 years old so Sharon and her mother moved in with her mother’s family. Her mother’s brother has steady employment and is able to provide basic support for Sharon and her mother but with his own large family to provide for, he cannot afford secondary school fees for Sharon. But, Sharon is bright and diligent and scored over 400 on the 2010 KCPE, earning a spot at Bahati Girls School. With support from EFAC, Sharon will be able to pursue her education and fulfill her dream to become self-sufficient and a role model for other poor children. Sharon in currently in her first year of high school at Bahati Girls School where she is performing particularly well in Chemistry, Computer Studies and Geography. Sharon is partially funded for her four years of high school, but still needs $400 per year to complete her scholarship.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 404

Name: Sheillah R.
Gender: Female
School: Vanessa Grant Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Sheillah, 14, is from the Mount Elgon District in the Western Province of Kenya. She is the second born of 10 children, 2 boys and 8 girls. Her family was affected by the violent conflicts involving the SLDF militia group in their district from 2006-2008. Her parents divorced and Shanice relocated with her father to Kapsokwony Market where he relies on relief to support his family. Her primary school teacher tells us that, "Sheillah is bright and well behaved. She is quite assertive and outgoing in both drama and choir." Sheillah's favorite games are volleyball and table tennis, and she love travelling and meeting new friends. Her goal is to do well in school and become a science professor.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 346

Name: Sophie W.
Gender: Female
School: Starehe Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Sophie is 15 years old and is from the Rift Valley province. She is the youngest of 7 children and has 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Her parents are older and are casual laborers and cannot afford school fees for Sophie or her siblings. Only one of her older brothers finished secondary school with a scholarship at the Starehe Boys School. Sophie enjoys participating in sports, especially volleyball, and reading novels. Her dream is to become a lawyer.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 393

Name: Winfred N.
Gender: Female
School: Vanessa Grant Girls School, EFAC start date 1/11

Student's Background: Winfred, 15 , is from the Makeuni District in the Eastern Province of Kenya. Her mother passed away in 2006, and her father struggles to support his 6 children working as a peasant farmer. Winfred is a bright, disciplined student and wants to do well in school so she can go to university and become a nurse. One of her goals when she get a job is to help support her family and make sure all of her siblings can continue their education.

Kenyan Standardized test score (KCPE): 362