Seed: Students for Education Empowerment and Development

The other day, we visited Humwend Principal Francis Akulu’s home for tea.  After a bumpy ride in the back of his truck to an authentic rural Kenyan home, we were greeted with open arms and smiling faces.  His family’s welcoming was no different from the one we receive each time we visit Humwend – full of gratefulness for the generosity of Canadians towards the Kenyan education system.

It was here that we finally pieced together the puzzle of this brilliant, inspiring individual.  He told us his life story.  No different from many of today’s youth in Kenya, he grew up as an orphan. After finishing class 8, he was unable to continue secondary school because he lacked the funds to pay for his school fees.

After missing ninth grade, he was introduced to a family of “muzungus” from Austria who were visiting the area.  They immediately recognized his academic potential and offered to sponsor him for his secondary education.  Through their compassion and generosity, they invested in the potential of a very bright student, allowing him to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher.  He is now a successful principal and inspires both his students and fellow community members to reach for their dreams.  Anything is achievable with hard work, determination, and a bit of encouragement!

Francis’ wife is also a teacher. They have four children, all of whom are named after the “muzungus” that sponsored Francis.  (Some have Austrian names, which sound very unique in this setting!)

This story is a prime example of the incredibly positive, lifelong influence that an educational sponsorship can have on a student.  By being given the opportunity to attend secondary school, Francis was able to excel to his full potential and utilize his gifts as an inspiring human being and teacher.  He is so thankful for the opportunity he was given, and he exudes this same enthusiasm to everyone he meets, each and every day of his life.

Alison Bruni, Meghan Bruni and Jenny Saundercook

Overseas Interns – Kenya