My name is Susan Nyambura and I am 17 years old in Class 8. I am the fourth born in a family of four sisters and a brother. My mother passed away when I was 6 years old leaving me behind with my dad and siblings. After her death my life changed completely. I was transferred to a government school from a good private school. I also started living with my grandmother because my dad was working away from home. In 2004 my dad was admitted to the hospital. He stayed in the hospital for 6 months. In the beginning of 2005 he passed away. All my hope was gone after the death of my parents and my grandmother was not able to pay for my school. Our second born was doing her 8th grade national exam so I dropped out of school to give her an opportunity to proceed with schooling.
I stayed for a year without going to school. Sometimes I would run away from home and go to beg for food in town. I had no one to turn to. My uncle was very cruel and he would despise me. After suffering for a long time, the extended family came together and divided us into different families. I fell into the hands of a brother of my grandfather. He promised to take care of me. In 2006, I went to public school again. However, I was forced to repeat the 4th grade after spending a year out of school. A year later, my grandfather passed away. I can still remember what he used to tell me, ‘Susan, there is nothing else I can give you apart from education, so work hard.’
After one uncle got married, his wife told my grandmother about Rohi. This was news for me and the family. One day my grandmother visited the school. Tears of joy ran down my cheeks when my grandmother announced that I got a place in the school. I thanked God for the miracle. I was admitted to Rohi on January 7, 2008.
Rohi has been a blessing to me and my younger sister, Naomi Wangui, in Class 4. Since I joined Rohi my life has changed completely. There is a future and a hope for me because my life is in the hands of God.
