Jitegemee: Empowering Street Children through Education

jee-teh-geh-máy v [Swahili : sustain yourself]

#JitegemeeDream – Our students’ hopes for a better life

My name is Irene. My #JitegemeeDream is to break the cycle of poverty and do something positive with my life. I was raised by a single mum who worked casual jobs to feed, clothe, and pay school fees for me and my 3 siblings. I remember going to school hungry because she could not afford to feed us 2 meals per day. There were times when I would be sent home because tuition fees had not been paid. My mother died when I was in Standard 7 and my siblings and I were taken in by family members. Jitegemee took over my school fees and I graduated from secondary school this year!
My name is Irene. My #JitegemeeDream is to break the cycle of poverty and do something positive with my life. I was raised by a single mum who worked casual jobs to feed, clothe, and pay school fees for me and my 3 siblings. I remember going to school hungry because she could not afford to feed us 2 meals per day. There were times when I would be sent home because tuition fees had not been paid. My mother died when I was in Standard 7 and my siblings and I were taken in by family members. Jitegemee took over my school fees and I graduated from secondary school this year!

The children of Jitegemee would like to take you on a journey; a journey into their homes, their past, their realities, and their dreams for a brighter future. Join us for their #JitegemeeDream, a multimedia journey that will show you the reality of their daily struggles, but will also remind you what it’s like to be a child again and inspire you to keep pushing for your own dreams.

Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing you to our secondary school students. Then, from the beginning of 2018, we will share their full stories, more photos, some videos, as well as  their hopes and dreams for a better life. Photographer Fungai Tichawangana has generously given his time to take you into our children’s lives, into their homes, and into their hearts. Check back here often and on our Facebook page to follow this emerging series.

As we enter the season of giving, we also ask you to generously support our work and help us close our 2017 funding gap. Between now and December 31, anyone who donates $250 will receive our new Jitegemee 2018 Calendar featuring the stunning #JitegemeeDream photos featured on this page. Click here to make a donation.

Thank you, Asante sana.

My name is Phillip. My #JitegemeeDream is to be a doctor. I love learning and believe all children should get a chance to learn. I remember the shame of going to school with ripped clothes and no shoes and of begging for money and food on the way home. Then one year an uncle came to take my family to Machakos to help us, but he just left us at the bus stop. We didn’t know anyone and had nowhere to go. A Jitegemee teacher took us in and I was enrolled in school the next day.
My name is Mercy. I have never seen my father. From as far back as I can remember, my older sister was the breadwinner in our family. She died in 2014, leaving behind two children, including a one-year old. My mother takes on whatever work she can to keep the family going. My siblings had to leave school so that they could help take care of the family. I am thankful every day that I have been able to stay in school. My #JitegemeeDream is to get a good job and help raise my family to a better place and to improve the situation in my village.
My name is Noel. I recently learnt that my background should not be an obstacle to achieving my goals. For a long time, my family lived in a mud house which leaked when it rained. My father died when I was two and my mother became the breadwinner. My older sister was always being chased from school, but my mother persisted and in 2011 my sister finished high school. My #JitegemeeDream is to become the best Neuro-surgeon in Kenya.
My name is Ken. I am 18 and in my last year of high school. I live with my grandmother and my younger brother in a single room in Mjini slum, Machakos. I used to be out of school for weeks because my family couldn’t afford school fees. Now I feel empowered and am able to perform at the top of my class. My #JitegemeeDream is to join university next year so I can get a good job and support other children like me.
“My name is Faith. I am sixteen years old. My dad died when I was seven, and since then my mum has struggled to provide for me and my three siblings. Despite my struggles, I am grateful for what I have and hopeful for my future. My #JitegemeeDream is to become a lawyer so I can fight corruption in my country.”
“My name is Dennis. I was born in the year 1996 into a family of five. I was raised by a single mum who is physically disabled. Although we lived in the slums, I stayed out of trouble and finished high school last year. My #JitegemeeDream is to one day help my mum build a good house and my siblings achieve their dreams.”
“My name is Muthina. I am 14 years old. Machakos is my hometown. I live in a single room with my parents and three brothers. My favourite subject at school is Chemistry. My #JitegemeeDream is to be a doctor one day.”
“My name is Solomon. I was born in Machakos in 2001. I am the oldest of 5 children. My family struggles with alcoholism, hunger, and poverty. I study very hard to overcome these challenges. My #JitegemeeDream is to be successful so I can help my family out of poverty.”

Check back often for more photos and stories from our students.

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