For many students, an education is something that happens to them; for Abel Tsuma Myama, an education is a treasure worth sacrificing for every day.

As an elementary student, Abel stayed at school all week, studying by a small light at night and sleeping on his desk.

He was the last of 10 children born to a pair of peasant farmers who, although illiterate themselves, valued education. They could not begin to pay for him to attend high school, but through great sacrifice, hard work, and the help of a Kenya Keys sponsor, Abel graduated from high school and was accepted to Karatina University. 

Abel’s challenges continued at university. When the Covid-19 pandemic erupted, the school sent students home.

Abel returned to his family’s village - a place with limited electricity and virtually no internet. Then his university reopened… with online classes only. Abel knew he had to leave his village.

Kenya Keys staffer Clemence said Abel arrived in Taru with little more than the clothes on his back. She convinced a local landlord to rent Abel a room at a fraction of the price, and Kenya Keys Director Joseph told Abel he could use a computer at headquarters to access his classes.

Determined and diligent, Abel was waiting every day when staff arrived to open the building. He sat in front of the computer all morning, attending class, and returned to his rented room to study.

This fall, Abel received a university diploma. In October, he started his first job, teaching high school.

Abel knows education is the key to a better future, and with the help of Kenya Keys sponsors and staff, not even a global pandemic could conquer this young man’s determination to overcome poverty and create a brighter future for himself and for his community. Kenya Keys is proud of Abel Tsuma’s determination and success, and proud to have played a part in unlocking this fine young man’s potential.