Maria Naparai

A nurse in the making.

Name: Maria Naparai Lemau

Community: Tanki Nyeusi

School: The Salvation Army Joy Town Secondary School For The Physically Handicapped

Maria Naparai Lemau is the second born in a family of seven. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at an early age and she spent 4 years in a special school and hospital undergoing therapy. She has difficulty walking and uses crutches for movement. She lives with her aunt, who took her in when she was 7 years old in 2010. She and her family were separated due to a cattle rustling crisis in her community. Her family was forced to leave her behind, as she could not walk and they found it hard to carry her with them. Luckily, her aunt came to her rescue finding her all alone and helpless.  She has never seen her parents, sisters and brothers since the separation. In 2024, Maria is joining Joy Town Secondary School for the Physically Handicapped. This is the only school in the county that caters to children with physical challenges and Maria is excited to be able to learn in an environment that supports her.

Here is her story:

She puts a smile on her face when she starts to narrate how she met PA-MOJA.

“My aunt was carrying me on her back from school. By then I was in Tanki Nyeusi primary school. A lady in an Ol Pejeta Conservancy vehicle saw us and stopped by. On seeing my situation, she promised to take care of me.  She first took me to St. Lwanga Hospital where my leg was operated on twice. It was a very painful process but at least I got a chance to start walking. I would have started my school 3 years earlier before I met with PA-MOJA but due to my family background and my mother being the sole breadwinner she couldn’t afford to take me to school.

After my operation, I was enrolled at St. Lwanga boarding school for grade 1 whereby I stayed up to grade 2. Beginning in 2018, I was transferred to Ereri Baptist Primary school in grade 3. I love it here in Ereri primary very much, my academic performance has significantly improved. Last semester, I was awarded as the most improved student in our class. The friendly environment in my school has made it easy for me. I have lots of friends in school who love and support me. We relate very well with most of the students because we come from the same community, Samburu.

During school holidays, I love helping my aunt with house chores.I do dishes and sometimes cook meals for my cousins and aunt.

I can attest disability is not inability. I do a lot in school and home despite my condition. My dream is to be a nurse. I was motivated to take this career after nurses took very good care of me when I was operated. This will also give me an opportunity to serve my community members since hospitals are miles away.

I wish to thank all my donors for their continued support and I promise you I will continue working hard because were it not for you, I would still be at home and most likely I wouldn’t be walking.”