Hillie’s Story

Hillie is the first-born child in a family with a humble background.  The father died when she was 8 years old, leaving behind 4 children, ages 8, 6, 4 and 1.  Her mother is raising the four children single handed. She does not have employment but earns her living through menial duties such as gardening, and laundry for people. On days she does not get an offer of a “job” She sells vegetables to provide for her family.  The family hardly has enough to eat, living on one meal a day. Many days they get evicted out of their rental huts when she is not able to pay. In the past the family has had to spend nights outside in the open. Luckily in 2019 LJCK built a little house for the family. Besides hardship, Hillie also endured a series of child abuse growing up.  Her teacher discovered the abuse ordeal when the girl was 10 yrs. LJCK learned about Hillie’s situation and rescued her. LJCK enrolled her in a boarding school in Uganda to keep her from facing the consequences of the stigma. At that tender age she left her country to Uganda to study in a safe environment. Despite the difficulties of life, Hillie worked tenaciously and graduated with BA in Community Development and Social Justice with emphasis in-Special Needs and Rehabilitation, December 6, 2023. 

After graduation she took a loan ksh 15,000 ($150) and opened a small kiosk where she sells charcoal and firewood to earn a living. Her small business makes a profit of about ksh 200-300, equivalent of $2-3/day. As little as she makes, she is trying hard to support her mother and siblings. Her aspirations are to get a master’s degree for a better chance to get employment. Currently, there is high competition for employment in Kenya. There is scarcity of jobs, and it is increasingly hard to get employment with a BA. Almost impossible. Life for Hillie and her family continues to be difficult, right now every member in the family expects her to help. She wishes to change the narrative of their family life and the only viable way is through education. Given a chance, Hillie is prepared to strive and make a difference in her family. One of Hillies dream is to get a scholarship where she can study as well as work to help educate her siblings.