Watoto Wasome

In the heart of Yala, a mother’s battle for survival turned into a fight for her children’s future. Sylvia had already endured more than most could bear—losing her husband, facing relentless harassment from in-laws, and struggling to keep a roof over her children’s heads. But the hardest blow came when her two sons, Roney and John, were arrested and forced to stay in police cells for weeks. Their only plea upon release was simple: a chance to return to school.

Roney and John had grown up watching their mother navigate unimaginable hardships. When their father passed away in 2012 after a battle with brain cancer, life took a sharp turn. Their home was no longer a place of refuge but a battleground. In-laws kicked over their food, tore down their house, and left them homeless. Sylvia, determined to keep her children in school, juggled odd jobs while seeking shelter wherever she could. But when her sons were arrested over a dispute with relatives, it seemed like their education—and their future—would slip away entirely.

Then, Affecto Foundation stepped in.

When Roney and John visited Affecto Office, they carried more than just the weight of their struggles—they carried hope. Their only request was to return to school, believing education was the one thing that could help them rise above their circumstances. Through the support of well-wishers, Affecto secured their school fees, and in March, the brothers finally walked back into the classrooms they had feared they’d never see again.

The transformation was immediate. The anxiety of uncertainty was replaced with the structure and promise of learning. Their mother, who had spent years fighting for their survival, could now hold onto the hope that her children would have a better future.

Education does more than open doors—it restores dignity, rebuilds lives, and creates opportunities where none seemed possible. Roney and John’s journey is far from over, but they now have a chance to shape their own destiny. Their story is a testament to why Affecto Foundation exists: to ensure that no child’s dream is cut short due to circumstances beyond their control.

To the GlobalGiving family, thank you. Because of your support, two boys now have a future worth fighting for.

Abiba is one of the beneficiaries of Affecto's Watoto Wasome Program. From an informal settlement in Nairobi, Abiba’s path has been filled with challenges, but her determination to succeed in her education remains unwavering.

Growing up, Abiba’s family depended on the income from her mother’s seasonal laundry services and her father’s work as a mason. However, the financial strain of living in a slum, combined with the lack of privacy and overcrowded living conditions, made it difficult for Abiba and her siblings to focus on their studies as daily meals became a challenge. Abiba’s future was uncertain. Despite this, she never gave up on her dreams.

In 2023, Abiba sat for her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams and scored an impressive 392 marks out of 500. This achievement secured her a place at Karima Girls High School, a national school in the country. Today, Abiba is even more focused on her education. She is determined to succeed in high school, continue her studies, and eventually use her education to help lift her family out of the slums and create a better life for herself and her siblings.

In third term 2024, Abiba scored an A- being one of the best students in the school.

A heartfelt thanks to GlobalGiving for your generous support, which has made a lasting difference in Abiba’s life and in the lives of so many others like her.