In the rural village of Sijowa, Busia County, Kenya, a 14-year-old child, Naliaka, faces challenges that many of us can barely imagine. Orphaned by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, she lives with her aging grandmother and two younger siblings. Like many orphaned children, Naliaka’s family was split up after their parents’ death, with siblings scattered among different relatives due to financial struggles. Her eldest sibling works in Nairobi, sending money back home, while another helps on a small family farm with an uncle. Despite their close family bonds, separation and hardship have been a constant part of their life. 

Having recently graduated from primary school, Naliaka excelled on her Kenyan Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams but not well enough to secure a government scholarship for secondary school. With no scholarship and limited resources, her dream of continuing their education seems out of reach. The burden of choosing her future now weighs heavily: she can marry early, continue working with her grandmother on the family farm, or risk the uncertainty of seeking work in the city. Each option presents difficulties—early marriage often leads to teenage pregnancy, rural farming offers little opportunity for advancement, and the job market in the city is highly competitive, especially for those from rural areas. 

Despite these challenges, Naliaka dreams of becoming a teacher. She finds joy in singing, dancing, and teaching her younger siblings, nurturing a natural love for educating others. However, with her current situation, this dream feels distant. 

This story reflects the reality of many orphaned and vulnerable children in Busia County, Kenya. Children here are often faced with life-altering decisions at an early age, with limited support and resources to help them succeed. While they dream of a better future, many are unable to access the education and opportunities that could make those dreams a reality. 

It is through the work of organizations like COCE that children in rural communities like Sijowa can be given hope. By providing educational support, sponsorships, and resources, COCE ensures that children who face unimaginable challenges are given the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and pursue their dreams. Stories like this serve as a reminder of the importance of education and the life-changing impact it can have on a child's future.