Summary of the Presentation

Emily highlighted the foundation's initiatives, including scholarships for children at risk of dropping out and financial literacy training for women in rural areas. The presentation also addressed the challenges of female genital mutilation (FGM) in some Kenyan communities and the foundation's efforts to raise awareness and create safe spaces for girls affected by this practice.

Rtn Emily shared her personal journey from being one of nine siblings, only she pursued education, to becoming a university student who helped another girl, Farida, attend school despite cultural and societal barriers. Her story highlighted the challenges faced by girls in her community, including early marriage and lack of educational opportunities, and her realization of the importance of education led her to form an organization to help other girls achieve their dreams.

The organization seeks to raise $650 per year for each student to cover tuition, boarding, books, uniforms, and other expenses for a four-year secondary education. She further explained that they sponsor girls to attend public boarding schools and provide training to their parents/guardians, helping them start businesses and form village savings and loan schemes. The organization receives support from Rotary clubs and individual Rotarians, with funding coming through school partnerships and direct donations.

Howard West made a donation to the Rise to Shine Education Foundation in the amount of $900. The donation was use to provide $650 for a scholarship to Anika, and $250 towards a scholarship for George. Below are the scholarships request from Anika and George.

Anika's Scholarship Application

"My name is Anika [redacted], a Grade 7 student at Sena Junior Secondary School. I am the firstborn in a family of five children, currently living with my mother. Our father abandoned us and has since shown no interest in supporting the family. He struggles with alcoholism, which has left all responsibilities on my mother. Life has not been easy, especially with my younger siblings looking up to my mother while she struggles to meet even the most basic needs.

My mother does her best through odd jobs like washing clothes and digging for people, but what she earns is barely enough to feed us, let alone pay for school fees, uniforms, or school supplies. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my education because I believe it is the only way to change our situation. I kindly request consideration for a scholarship to enable me to continue with my studies without interruption. I promise to work hard in school and achieve my dream of becoming a nurse.  

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Anika [redacted]"

George's Student Profile

"My name is George [redacted].  I am in Grade 7 at Nyaundho Junior Secondary School. I am the second-born in a family of eight children.  I live with my mother, and we come from a single-parent family.  My father left us long ago to go fishing in the lake and never came back. Since then he has not supported us in any way.

My mother does small jobs like washing clothes and digging people's farms to try to provide for us. Life has been very hard, and sometimes we go without food. Paying school fees has also been a big challenge. I have been sent home many times and stayed out of school because we did not have money.

I am kindly asking for a scholarship to help me stay in school and focus on my studies. I really want to become a nurse in the future so I can help people in my community and also support my family. I promise to work hard if I get this chance.

Thank you

Yours sincerely,

George [redacted]"