Victor’s Victory

Victor came to Kenya Keys as an orphan.

When he was in 6th grade, Victor’s father died. The arid land had provided a meager living for the family, but without his father, survival would be even more challenging. Victor’s mother gathered her two boys and set out looking for work, eventually landing in a village along Mackinnon road. Two years later, she, too, passed away. 

“It was a sad, sad time,”

Victor reflected recently. He speaks gently, playing with the fabric of a jacket on the school desk in front of him. A pause and subtle change in expression communicate that the memory of that time still carry deep emotion. He speaks of a teacher at the school who intervened during a heartbreaking time. “She just adopted me,” Victor said, “and she helped me”. 

8th grade is a critical year for Kenyan students. In addition to being the last year of almost-free education, it is also the year students take the standardized test that determines their educational options for high school. In spite of his deep personal tragedy, Victor scored remarkably well. 

An impressive score on the standardized test qualified Victor for a reputable high school, but the challenge was obvious in a system where high school tuition is the responsibility of families.

Victor in October of 2022 at Taru Boys High School

“I was to find school fees for my own,”

Victor explained. He has a calm, innocent look that seems somewhat at odds with the strength that pulled him through, “I went and searched for a job, and I used the money to pay for school fees.”

His adopted aunt must have discussed the exceptional case and the exceptional boy she had on her hands, because the principal admitted him with only part of the school fees and without a school uniform. His trust in Victor has been rewarded. He recently told Kenya Keys staff that

“Victor is the most disciplined student in the school.”

After two years of high school, Victor heard about Kenya Keys and decided to advocate for himself. “I pled for sponsorship,” he said, “and I thank God it was for me.” He describes the difference it has made, “When other students are sent home for school fees, I am always in class.” That’s a significant advantage to Victor, because “while they are away, the syllabus is going on.” Days in school means higher scores, and Victor will need those scores for what he has in mind.

Victor is interviewed by Kenya Keys volunteer George Lewis

“I want to be a cardiologist and do the study of medicine”

- a lofty goal for the son of subsistence farmers, but determination, hard work, and timely assistance have already helped him overcome the odds. Victor completes high school in December of this year, and will be applying for university in January. He is very grateful for the opportunity.

“I thank you so much for the care you’ve given to me,” he said to his sponsors and to all Kenya Keys supporters. His thoughts turn to other students in his situation.

“I hope you will continue with the same spirit, to help other children who need help like me, and for orphans,”

“You just support them in the way you have supported me,” he concludes. Knowing the generosity and the good hearts of Kenya Keys’ supporters, we can confidently say, we will.