A story of resilience – CES alumna Brenda Aponyo

My name is Brenda Aponyo, born on 14th January 2001 in Kakamega County, Kenya. My mom is one of the strongest people I've come across. My dad died in 2001, age 33, while I was only four months old. The perseverance, the endurance, and the struggle she went through after my father died, strengthens me.

She used to go for work in people's shambas (farms). At that time I was almost two months old, and she used to lay me in the shade as she tilled the land. Whenever she told me these stories, tears trickled down my cheeks but one thing I used to tell her is that, I will make her proud. Do you know why I have to succeed in this life, if not for anything else, then I'll do it for my mother. My mom is my pride.

I went for my primary studies at a local village school called Iranda Primary to class six and was then transferred to Lessos Primary School in the city of Kitale, where I lived with my aunt. I did my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (K.C.P.E) in 2015 and scored 337 marks. I can remember very well when my sister had done her K.C.P.E, my mom was advised that girls should not be taken to high school and instead she should let her go to the city and do some house work. But my mom understood the essence of girl-child education.

I joined Eshitari Secondary School, which is a mixed school and approximately 2 km from my home. Schooling was fine, my mom used to work to ensure we have food on the table, my school fees were paid from different sources like bursaries and relatives, but still sometimes I could be sent home to fetch the fees.

I secured a chance at Maasai Mara University to pursue a Bachelor of Education Science (Mathematics and Chemistry) with Guidance and Counseling, and I was to report on 29th August 2020.

Sincerely speaking I had made zero plans concerning it, maybe partly because no one in my neighborhood had gone to college and so no one was available for consultation or also because we were still very amazed that in our family, one of us is heading to an institution of higher learning.

My mom tried applying for bursaries but obviously they could take a long time, and it isn't automatic that application equals to funding. The school chipped in a little. My mum was busy making some preparations where she was able.

When it was remaining exactly four months left, in September, I decided to go visit my mentor, Mdm. Ruth Bandi. I call her madam though she's a retired nurse and was a board member in our school.

She asked me how far I've reached in my preparations for school and I told her what the case was. She kept quiet for some time and asked me to give her five minutes to make a call. The call was to Mr. Rev. Nyanje Livingstone (Editor notes: Livingstone is a CES Kenya board member). They talked, and I also talked to him and she later told me to come back the next day with a request letter showing my request. 

There is this call I got that completely changed my life, and I mean completely. On 24th January, I was told to head to the CES office next day. I went there, and found that my school fees were paid through a cheque and additionally, I was given upkeep money.

This day really changed how I viewed everything. I now knew that my dreams are coming true. I promised myself to focus, to be the best version of myself in life. I know that there are many people depending on me and also to some like my friends in high school, am their source of inspiration, and I wouldn't want to fail any.

Writing this, I am past half way of my undergraduate degree, finishing up my last semester of third year, and I sincerely send my gratitude to the CES body for supporting me and continuing checking up on me. University is one of the best places to be since you get to meet people from different tribes, places and they have different belief systems and you must accommodate each of them. I am really enjoying my university studies.

Through CES, I now have friends even those from abroad. It’s a privilege. Thank you so much CES community for standing with me in everything pertaining my school education. To Mr. Malik Khaemba and Mdm Sarah, you've been very supportive to me and am grateful.

The visit of Michael Frederiksen and Mr. Nyanje to my school literally made me cry. To Mr. Nyanje, I don't know what to say, but he has been like a dad to me, he had promised to come visit me in school but I didn't know that he could come with Michael. I was just very happy. Having people around you who are interested in your academics and also your general well-being is such a big blessing.

I want to make something meaningful out of my life. Being able to give back to the community is the best thing one can do but for one to be an impact to the society, they must a clear reflection of that success. I believe that my undergraduate degree is just a stepping stone, and I know there's more, I want to do more, go for my Masters, go for my PhD in education curriculum.

God bless CES forever.