Ruth Adhiambo

Ruth Adhiambo, 19, an orphan from Kibera slums, was rescued by Real Hope Community Youth Organisation two years ago. She was then enrolled in the sponsorship program supported by Organic Farmers Market (OFM) to continue pursuing her secondary education. In 2021 Ruth completed her high school education as the pioneer candidate under the sponsorship. The results of the final national examination gave Ruth a big smile and revitalised her hope for a better future. She now believes she will pursue her dream of becoming a nurse after attaining the university entry grade. Her ambition is to support other children in need upon being a nurse. Born within the Kawangware slum, Ruth became an orphan at the tender age of three after losing both parents to illness. Family and friends supported her through her primary education. Her life story took a twist when the support stopped, forcing her to drop out of school. She became vulnerable and exposed to social vice in the community. On learning of her predicament, Real Hope Community Youth Organisation stepped in to rescue her and immediately placed her on psychosocial peer-to-peer therapy and education mentorship from social workers and peer educators. The purpose of the sponsorship is to provide educational support to enable orphans and vulnerable children to access education and achieve their full potential in life. According to her teachers, Ruth had low self-esteem initially, but collective support efforts made her gain motivation to complete her education successfully. Special thanks to all those supporting RHYCO sponsorship through partners, including International Needs CanadaMarafiki TrustOrganic Farmers MarketInternational Needs Kenya