The Desert, Three Boys and Their Dreams

In the heart of Kajiado County, where perpetual drought has been a harsh reality for generations, hope is emerging like a resilient sprout in the desert. The people of this region have long grappled with the scarcity of water and food, relying heavily on their livestock for sustenance. However, when drought strikes, they are forced to embark on arduous journeys in search of water and pasture for their cattle, leaving a profound impact on the education of their children, particularly the boys who are often compelled to drop out of school to tend to the herds.

Meet Koole, Maiyan, and Mohamet

But the story of Koole, Maiyan, and Mohamet reflects a glimmer of hope amidst these challenges. These three determined young boys call Loitokitok Sub-County their home, and their journey is a testament to resilience and the power of education. They are students at Risa Primary School, nestled along the Kimana – Amboseli National Park Road.

In the harsh reality of 2022, the prolonged drought forced Koole Saitoti and his brother Maiyan Saitoti to make a heart-wrenching decision. They had to drop out of school during the third term of that year. The responsibility of looking after the family’s cattle fell upon their young shoulders, a duty they embraced with unwavering determination. Their father had lost his sight, and their mother was battling illness, leaving the brothers as the family’s primary providers.

Mohamet Tonkei’s story bears a similar weight of hardship. His father had passed away, and his mother, faced with the burden of providing for her family, was unable to work. In the face of these challenging circumstances, Mohamet, too, left school during that challenging period in 2022.

Then came Light Up Hope’s Feeding Program

Fast forward to July 2023, and a ray of hope pierced the clouds of adversity. The three boys received word that there was consistent food supply at their school, thanks to the benevolence of Light Up Hope. Hungry for education and determined to make a change in their lives, Koole, Maiyan, and Mohamet returned to school with dreams in their hearts and hunger in their bellies. They returned without school uniforms, without reading and writing materials, and without proper shoes. Yet, their spirits were undeterred. They carried with them the hope of a hot meal for lunch, a meal that would not only quell the pangs of hunger but also nourish their thirst for knowledge.

A Dream Rekindled

As we look ahead, Light Up Hope stands with Koole, Maiyan, and Mohamet, cheering them on in their pursuit of education and a path out of poverty. We extend our heartfelt wishes for their success and promise to follow their progress closely. Their journey reflects the resilience of the human spirit, the power of education, and the unwavering hope that, even in the most challenging circumstances, dreams can be rekindled.