We are proud to celebrate Davis Maina, a beneficiary of Elimu’s Stay in School program, who recently sat for his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations and achieved an impressive B+. For Davis, this result represents more than academic success, it marks the outcome of years of perseverance in the face of financial hardship and uncertainty.
Davis’s education journey was at serious risk while he was in Grade 11. His family was struggling to meet basic needs, and paying school fees became increasingly difficult. Like many students from low-income households, he faced the possibility of being forced out of school, not because of poor performance or lack of commitment, but simply because there was no money to keep him in class. The pressure to drop out was real, and with every term that passed, the risk grew.
It was during this difficult period that Davis came across an Elimu scholarship advert. He took a bold step and went directly to the Elimu office to explain his situation. That decision proved to be a turning point. After sharing his story and academic records, Davis was able to secure support through Elimu’s Stay in School program, allowing him to continue his education without the constant fear of being sent home for fees.
With financial stability restored, Davis was able to focus fully on his studies. Teachers noticed a renewed sense of commitment, and his academic performance steadily improved. Free from the disruptions that come with unpaid school fees, he attended classes consistently, sat his exams on time, and remained engaged throughout his final years of secondary school. The B+ he achieved in KCSE is a reflection of this stability, effort, and determination.
Today, Davis is preparing to take the next step in his academic journey by pursuing a career in Medical Engineering. It is a field that combines science, technology, and healthcare, and one that offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on people’s lives. For a student who once feared his education might end prematurely, the chance to enter such a specialized profession is a powerful reminder of what access to education can unlock.
Davis’s story highlights the importance of timely intervention. A single opportunity, offered at the right moment, can prevent a student from falling through the cracks. His success is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the role community support plays in keeping young people in school and on track toward their goals.
At Elimu, we remain committed to ensuring that no student’s potential is cut short by financial barriers. Across the communities we serve, there are many learners just like Davis bright, motivated, and eager to succeed, but held back by circumstances beyond their control. Through our Stay in School program, Elimu works to bridge that gap, providing students with the support they need to complete their education and pursue their dreams.
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