Rays of Sunshine

Figure: Pauline and her mother applying for school
fees support at Nyakuru safe space -Photo taken by Agnetar
{ward coordinator}
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“This support gave me a
reason to believe in myself
again.”
Pauline shared, “I thought my dreams of becoming a doctor would never come true—until this support changed everything.”
Pauline, an 18-year-old from the Nyakuru safe space, had
always been passionate about learning. However, she became an orphan at the age of 10, and with her stepmother working as a casual laborer, the family struggled to meet basic needs, let alone afford Pauline’s school fees.
Pauline was enrolled in the DREAMS project in December 2023 through the Nyakuru health facility in North Sakwa Ward. At the time of her enrollment, she had more than one boyfriend and was engaging in risky sexual behavior, which increased her vulnerability to HIV infection. The services she received after joining the project helped her reduce this risk and make positive changes in her life.
SUCCESS STORY
Due to her family’s financial struggles, Pauline was often
sent home from school for not paying fees, which negatively impacted her academic performance. When the school fees application call was announced, Pauline was ready with her documents since she was at home, having been sent away for non-payment.
Pauline received support amounting to 62,000 Kenya
shillings, which cleared all her outstanding school fees,
allowing her to stay in school. With her fees covered, Pauline’s attendance improved, and she was able to join the science club, where she discovered her passion for Biology.
“This support gave me a reason to believe in myself again,” Pauline shared with a smile. “Now, I can focus on my studies without worrying.”