My name is Timothy Nakaya Benedict, and I am 16 years old. I was born and raised in Bungoma County, where I completed my primary and secondary education.

I attended St. Stephens Primary School and later joined Kibabii Boys High School. My education journey has not been easy. While in primary school, I spent many days at home because of unpaid school fees. I remember being out of school for an entire month while in Class 8. Through the support of the Bungoma County Government and well-wishers, I received bursary assistance that enabled me to return to school and sit for my primary examination, where I scored 383 marks out of 500.

After completing primary school, my father became seriously ill and was bedridden. I feared that I would not be able to join high school. Fortunately, the Bungoma County Government provided me with a county scholarship that enabled me to join Kibabii Boys High School. The scholarship covered half of my school fees, while my parents struggled to raise the remaining amount.

Whenever I was sent home because of fee arrears, I worked at construction sites to raise money towards my education. My mother also worked on people's farms and washed clothes for others to help pay my school fees and support my siblings.

During my third term of Form Three, my father's health deteriorated further. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and high blood pressure and became unable to work. My mother was left with the responsibility of supporting the family and paying school fees for my siblings and me. At one point, I stayed out of school for three weeks so that I could help my mother work and raise money for my education. Eventually, my teachers allowed me to remain in school as my mother continued struggling to make payments.

Despite all these challenges, I remained focused on my education and successfully completed my KCSE examinations, attaining a B plain. This enabled me to secure an opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science at Multimedia University of Kenya.

However, I still have outstanding fee arrears from high school, and the cost of university education presents another major challenge for my family.

I am therefore sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be considered for support by Gloha Family Welfare and Project Restore Hope. Your assistance would give me the opportunity to continue my education and pursue my dream of becoming an actuarial science professional.

I am determined to work hard, make the most of this opportunity, and use my education to build a better future for myself and my family.

Thank you, Gloha Family Welfare and Project Restore Hope, for considering my story and giving me this opportunity.

God bless you.