LIFE CHANGING STORIES

Brian Kipkoech

I was born on 12^th March 1998 as the second child in a single mother’s family . My mother Lily struggled to bring us up and educate us with the small income she earned as a casual worker. My turning point in life was when my mother and my only sister Diana died of HIV related ailments. This was when I had just started my primary education in 2006. I suddenly became a total orphan at the age of 8. I was initially left in the care of my aunt but was later moved to be taken care of by my grandparents.

Life was so unbearable because at the age of ten I had to look for food and cook for myself as both my grandparents were so obsessed with traditional brews. I struggled through and sat for Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Examination (KCPE) in 2013 but could not make it to join High School because of the hardships I was going through. Eng. Onesmus Maritim of Oaks Africa Foundation heard about my situation and he invited me to stay with his family from 2014.

He advised me to redo KCPE, which I did and with an improved studying environment I passed with 318 out of 500 marks and joined Form 1 at Kamungei High School, under the Oaks Africa Foundation Scholarship program. I realize that if it was not for the Almighty God to keep and lead me in every step of my life, I would have completely lost hope. I have made a commitment and I trust that God will enable me achieve my career goals.

In 2019 I completed High School and scored a mean grade of C+. As I grew up my dream career changed from being a lawyer to pursuing a medical course; but I did not qualify to pursue a Degree in Human Medicine. I instead applied and was admitted to pursue a 3 year Diploma in Orthopedic Technology at Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi Main Campus in 2020. Currently, I am in my final year, on attachment at Little Daughters Hospital in Olkalau, Nyandarua County. I expect to graduate in December 2023. After my graduation, I will claim a share in my grandparents’ estate to establish a home.

Had it not been for the generosity of Eng. Onesmus Maritim and Oaks Africa Foundation I would be homeless. I will forever remain grateful to all those that God has used to bless and help me achieve my dreams! I aspire to assist those in need like me to achieve their dreams through Oaks Africa Foundation.

Britiny Cherono

I am Britiny Cherono, currently pursuing a Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery at Kenya Medical Training College, Mwingi Campus. Having received a letter of admission to pursue the Clinical Medicine Course in February 2023, my family could not raise the required fees due to financial challenges. I felt frustrated. I made an appeal to friends, relatives and the general public for support. Mr. Vincent Cheruiyot and his team, posted my case in a Kericho Professional Social Media Forum and indeed they managed to raise my first semester fees and other admission expenses.

After admission to the college, Oaks Africa Foundation, through Eng. Onesmus Maritim, contacted me and assured me of their support. I am forever grateful to God for using the Professional Group and Oaks Africa Foundation to support me in achieving my life long goal of pursuing a course in Medicine. On behalf of my family, especially my mother, who has worked tirelessly to ensure that we have food and go to school, I express my gratitude.

I pray that God blesses and expands the work of Kericho Professional Group and Oaks Africa Foundtion so that they can continue to assist needy individuals like me. I pledge to support the needy to achieve their life dreams after my graduation.