Joseph in Form 2 (Grade 10)
Name: Joseph Wahome Karuri
SCHOOL: Ontulili Boys High School
Community: Chuma
Story in 2023
I, Joseph, am the eldest in a family of three siblings. This automatically assigns me a lot of duties in my family, including taking care of my two brothers and being a perfect role model for them.
I was born and raised in Chuma Village, where I completed my primary education. In the community, I endeavored to be the kind of person they expected me to be. I completed my primary school education in 2021, sitting for the national exam (KCPE) and performed well with a score of three hundred and seventy-five marks. Despite my success, my family couldn’t afford to pay for my school fees to secure a spot in a good boarding school. However, this limitation didn’t deter my ambition to join the boarding school of my choice.
Due to the unavailability of a reliable source for school fees, I joined Rugby. Through the game, many students received scholarships from the sponsors. I held hope that they would notice my perseverance and provide the needed support. Though I initially disliked the game, I started playing it as I had no other option. I resigned myself to the fact that Rugby would secure my school fees.
I am not a fan of any game or co-curricular activity. My hobby is reading novels, short stories, and engaging in classroom activities. I am not fond of interacting with people much but prefer to spend time alone.
In my pursuit of a high school education, I applied for more scholarships, including Equity, Mpesa, and PA-MOJA. Equity and Mpesa yielded no results. However, by God’s grace, the PA-MOJA scholarship brightened my education by granting me a full scholarship to a boarding school. May their efforts be blessed.
I commenced my form one studies on 23rd August 2021 at Ontulili Boys High School and made an effort to adapt to my new environment. I’ve had a fondness for mathematics since my primary school days, and this translated into a liking for Physics due to its mathematical nature.
During my high school years, I despised early morning prep sessions and would often be irritated by the wake-up alarms. In my free time, I visited the library to read novels and storybooks.
My career aspiration is to become a doctor, specifically an Oncologist. The severity of cancer and its prevalence motivate me to pursue this career path. Moreover, it’s a profession with numerous opportunities, considering the increasing cases of cancer patients. It’s also a dependable job with good remuneration. My passion for healthcare led me to join the Red Cross club, aiming to become a first aider. In my third year, I underwent Basic First Aid training, further fueling my passion for a healthcare profession. I remain optimistic, determined, focused, goal-oriented, indefatigable, and committed to achieving my goals and securing a brighter future.
Story in 2021
Joseph in Form 2 (Grade 10) in 2021
Joseph lives with his parents and three siblings in Chuma village. He went to Chuma primary school and was top of his class. His father is a farmer while his mother works as a casual labourer in the nearby farms. He is the firstborn in the family of three boys and a girl.
Due to the dry weather conditions, their crops dried up and the family has been struggling to raise money to pay for his education and also provide the basic family needs. “It has been a difficult time for us because my son did very well in his exams and the thought of him not joining his dream school was unimaginable” Joseph’s mother.
“I would like to become an accountant and start my own business. I also want to inspire my friends and schoolmates to work very hard despite how challenging life can be” says Joseph.
