My name is Stephen Kalwenzi, from Kitui, Kenya. I am 20 years old and the last-born in a family of three. I grew up in Kitui County and received all my elementary education from Kavingo Primary School. In 2017, I scored 4004 marks in my KCPE examination and secured an admission to Machakos School in Machakos County.

In the course of my elementary education, life was not easy. My family was financially unstable and entangled in domestic violence. Hence, despite excelling in KCPE, I had no reason to celebrate it because I had no hope of enrolling in high school. The high school admission deadline drew closer, as my prospects of joining high school got slimmer.

Six days past the high school admission deadline, and my mother had only managed to raise four thousand Kenya shillings, which was just a speck of the required amount of school fees. Nevertheless, despite not raising enough school fees, I was admitted in high school and my parents were given one month to clear the balance.

However, although I expected nothing, much blessing was on the way. News of my financial need and brilliance in school reached Charles Musyoka Matuku Foundation and my story changed. The foundation enlisted me as one of its beneficiaries and started paying my fees. My desire to excel academically was rejuvenated, and before the end of my second year in high school, I was recognized as the best student in my class.

This achievement on my part became possible partly due to the tremendous help I received from CMMF. I received moral support during the holiday seminars conducted by the foundation, which really kept me going. There were also short but therapeutic talks whenever I called the foundation’s office to present my school results. Besides, the foundation ensured that I never hadto be sent home for nonpayment of school fees, which gave me ample time to work on my grades.

After my 2022 KCSE examinations I scored a grade A of 82 points, emerging as the best student in Katulani Sub-county. Yet, CMMF did not leave it at that. The foundation paid for my school fees and accommodation as I joined Kenyatta University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I am grateful to CMMF and must appreciate them for coming alongside me and offering me stable support.