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NAME: Julian Naanyu Lendanan
Age: 18
Form 4 (Grade 12) – January, 2020
School: St. Francis Girls’ Secondary School
PA-MOJA Scholarship started: Form 1 (Grade 9)
Supported by: Private Donor
Second Semester 2019 Update
Julian Lendanan was born in a small town called Makandura. Her father, John, was a policeman. Her mother, Mary, did odd jobs in the community to make extra money. The family did not own the land they lived on and were constantly in danger of being forced to move by the government. Both Julian and her sister, Roselynne went to a local primary school. Julian remembers that her family was poor but they managed to have enough money for food and school fees.
In 2012, Julian’s father, John, had a severe asthma attack and died in Nanyuki Hospital. The family struggled without him for 3 years. Julian remembers her mother being extremely stressed as she tried to provide enough food for her daughters. Tragically, in 2015, Mary died suddenly of a heart attack. There were no immediate family members in the area who could care for the girls so they were moved to another town called Endana to live with their aunt, Agnes. Agnes did not have the money to pay for their school fees so Julian and Roselynne were forced to quit school. With two extra mouths to feed, the family often didn’t have enough food so a typical day would include rice and potatoes for breakfast, beans and maize for lunch and nothing for dinner. The girls would spend their days helping their aunt gather firewood, wash clothes and care for their younger nieces and nephews.
When Julian found out she had received a scholarship from Canadian donor, Carmen Sicotte, she said it was the happiest day of her life. Her high marks in primary school earned her a position at St. Francis Girls’ Secondary school where she is a boarding student. She loves her school, which is beside the tiny town of Doldol, a small community surrounded by beautiful mountains. Her favorite subjects are Business and History. She credits her teachers for inspiring her love for these subjects. When she has spare time she loves to read and play netball. She values obedience, kindness and patience.
Julian has a message for her PA-MOJA donor: “Thank you, Carmen Sicotte. When I was out of school I had no hope for my future. Because I didn’t have a mother or father, I would have been forced to marry a man who would have been much older than me. I am deeply grateful for what you have done for me. I pray that God will expand your territory. Thank you. Asante Sana.”
Below: Endana Samburu women celebrate Carmen’s gift of a scholarship for one of their own.
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[one_third_last]Christmas Greetings,
New hope [/one_third_last]
