This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
On a typical Monday morning, Nation met Asma Hassan, a bright student from Bahari Girls High School in Malindi, clad in a tattered school uniform. Her story is one of resilience and determination, a testament to the power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Asma's journey began in 2017 when her uncle, Hassan Athman, sought her transfer to a local day school due to lack of school fees. The family could not afford the fees of more than Sh50,000 at the prestigious girls' national school in Kilifi, forcing them to either terminate her education or seek sponsorship.
Thanks to a well-wisher from Kesho Foundation, Asma's fees were paid, and she was able to continue her studies. Her performance improved significantly, and she became top of her class since Form One. However, in Form Three, her performance went down due to family issues, only to regain her place later.
Asma's principal, Ms Prisca Mgute, commended her for her hard work and dedication. "She has always been top of her class since Form One. However, in Form Three, her performance went down due to family issues only to regain her place later. I have high hopes for her. She has proved that your background and problems do not determine your future," the principal said.
On Saturday, Asma achieved her dreams when she was declared this year's Brookside Mathlete contest's top scorer from Coast region, scoring an A of 90 per cent, and beating over 2,000 bright students from the region at Ribe Boys High School. The award comes with a school fees scholarship.
Asma is yet to tell her family the news because her mother does not have a mobile phone. She counts herself lucky because whenever she lacks personal essentials, her friends help her. She wants to study structural engineering at Strathmore University.
