My name is Edward Mwangi and I am 19 years old. I was born in Ol Kalau, a small village in the central province of Kenya, together with my brother, who is slightly younger than I, Peter Nguku in Class 8. Both of my parents were typical Kikuyus, though I don’t know much concerning their background. My father was a public vehicle driver, but he worked as an artisan in a small industry in the neighborhood. My mother was just a minor small scale farmer who worked very hard to sustain us with daily bread.
My parents brought me up through hardship until I joined school. Unfortunately, in 2000, four years later, I recall the morning my mother woke up very ill. My father was not around and so my neighbors bore the burden and through their contribution took her to the hospital. After informing my dad he worked hard with the doctor to save her life. After days of pain, struggle and hopelessness, my mom passed away.
It was only a short time later when my father bade us goodbye in January 2003. Nobody in the family told me the cause of his death because they feared to break my heart. I was left with my younger brother. Fortunately, our grandparents were kind enough and welcomed us to live with them. The words, “though you are abandoned you are not forgotten,” became true to me.
Three months later, God opened a way for us to come to Rohi Primary School. We began to receive parental love and education. Rohi is more than a home for me. Once again, my terminated dream of becoming an economist was revived. Two years ago I did my national exams at the primary level and I performed well.
Despite what has taken place in the past, I have fully understood God’s promise in Jeremiah 11:29, that God has a future and hope for me. This has brought a new smile for me. May God bless Rohi as it continues to touch lives.
