The Impact of Educational Sponsorship: Maureen

Here at the Collective for Orphan Care and Education we take great pride in our past student scholars. One of those previous scholars is Maureen, who graduated from a certificate program in pharmaceutical technology and other health related certification programs and has two diplomas in community development and community health. We came to know Maureen when she was in High School and we supported her in her educational efforts post-High School for her diploma in Community Health Nurse in Nakuru, Kenya from 2006-2009. 

Since graduating from her various degree programs Maureen has managed to support both herself and her 9-year-old son by working in the community health field. A particular area of interest for her has been teenage pregnancy in Kenya. Maureen states that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the rates of teenage pregnancy due to the economy in Kenya slowing and schools closing. Young women have often been forced to trade sex in exchange for items, they need such as sanitary pads and food. Although, teenage pregnancy can be difficult for youth in the United States, for many young women in Kenya it is the end of dreaming of a better life, better education, and brighter future for their children.  

Maureen shared that at the onset of the pandemic, the clinic she worked for laid off all of its employees. She was very lucky to have found another job quickly. However, this job is not as lucrative as her previous one, and her son’s school has closed forcing him to stay home while she goes to work. She worries for the future of her country and for the future of her community members who are less fortunate than she. Maureen spoke about how COCE’s educational sponsorship helped her to escape the cocoon of poverty and that she wants that same opportunity for her friends, family, community, and country.  

COCE, like many people and agencies, often struggles in the face of such need. With women, children, and families lacking access to basic essentials it can be hard to maintain a focus on empowering communities through education. However, we take heart when we see the fruits of this labor in our previous students, like Maureen, making a difference in their communities. It is not COCE’s place to be a “savior” to these communities. Rather, we provide educational access to as many young women and children as we can so that they are equipped to be change agents in their community and country.  

If you want to know more about how you can help support a young person’s educational success program, please contact us at outreach@cocekenya.org.