These are stories of our 8th and 9th grade graduates. Our 8th grade graduates from Achungo all have passed their KCPE exam and entered secondary schools (high schools). (Listed here with the year they will complete high school). This national exam qualifies them for high school. The national passing rate is about 50% but 100% of our students taking it have passed each year. Thus, we are now considered one of the top schools in the county and administrators and government leaders visit to understand our success. Our purpose now is to find sponsors to mentor them and help with scholarships so they can continue higher education as a major stepping stone toward successful lives. This is key to breaking the age-old cycle of poverty in this extremely poor region of the world.

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Nicole

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Nicole (b: May 5, 2007) has been at Achungo for four years after attending Majiwa Primary. Things were so difficult there that she says, “I used to question God. I walked to school and walked home on foot. By the end of the day, I was exhausted. I was getting low marks in Majiwa.” But … Continued

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Edwin

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Edwin (b: August 1, 2007) lives with his grandmother and two older brothers. His father died during the pregnancy and his mother died at the hospital after delivering Edwin. His grandmother is ill with a growth in her stomach. His two brothers had to drop out of school because there was no money for school … Continued

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Christine

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Christine (b: June 4, 2007) came to Achungo (Imbo) in 4th grade. She had been attending Kawia Primary but “the classes were congested and the teachers were never serious.” She says that Achungo has a better facility, she can eat well here and the best thing is that the students are doing serious studies. Both … Continued

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Josephine

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Josephine lives in the countryside with her father, two older brothers and seven younger sisters. Her father has lung cancer and is jobless, so the family often goes without food all day. She has been at Achungo for five years and it has made all the difference for her. Before that, she attended a public … Continued

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Allan

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Allan (b: August 8, 2004) joined Achungo in 2018. He attended a public school prior, and says that it did not provide a good education but at Achungo the teachers understand their subjects and do a good job of teaching. He especially likes science and social studies because he learns so much about the culture … Continued

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Sarah

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Sarah (b: December 12, 2006) was attending Majiwa Primary but “it was not good” and she “was achieving little.“ She enrolled at Achungo (Imbo campus) in 5th grade and says, “I feel good at Achungo because I score good marks. Achungo has the best performance compared to the school where I was before. I found … Continued

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Bostone

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Bostone (b: January 4, 2007) came to Achungo (Imbo) in 4th grade after attending Faith Academy. He says that Achungo is a much better school because the teachers are well-trained and able to help the students with their learning. He lives in Amoso village with his parents and his brother who also has his wife … Continued

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Douglas

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Douglas (16) was brought to Achungo (Imbo campus) by his mother, a teacher, when he was in 5th grade, as she started working at Achungo. He had been attending Heartspring Junior Academy. He said that Achungo is different from other schools because “life is good and there is serious learning taking place, pupils are performing … Continued

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Christine A

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Christine (15) came to Achungo (at Imbo) in 6th grade after attending Majiwa Primary. In those days she would be sent home for lunch but often there was no food at home. At Achungo there is always food for her. She lives with her mother, two brothers (one older and one younger) and two younger … Continued

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Zadock

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Zadock came to Achungo (Imbo) in 7th grade after attending Majiwa Primary. He told us there is no comparison, that Achungo is the best school he had even gone to in his life. He said Majiwa didn’t provide books or food or a good education. He says Achungo is the school he’d been looking for, … Continued

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Moses

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Moses (b: October 20, 2006) lives in Imbo town (near our 2nd school) with his grandmother, older sister and younger brother. His parents had no jobs and left the family soon after his brother was born. His grandmother has no money to pay for schooling, so his sister had to drop out. They have a … Continued

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Velma

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Velma (b: August 14, 2007) came to Achungo in 5th grade after attending GodKado Primary. She had heard about Achungo and was wishing that she would be able to attend. She says Achungo is very different from her former school and is clean and the area has clean air. She has been very happy at … Continued

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Alventer

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Alventer (age 15) has been at Achungo, Imbo campus, since 2017. Compared to her prior school, she says that Achungo is a good school where she gets much more teaching and can get help from the teachers and other students anytime she needs it. She told us that life was difficult for her before Achungo. … Continued

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Florence

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Florence (b: October 26, 2006) came to Achungo four years ago after attending God-Kado Primary School. She says the education offered there was not good and she likes how the teachers at Achungo do such a good job of teaching in comparison. She gets help whenever she is struggling in her studies. She lives in … Continued

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Mitchell

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

Mitchell (b: October 13, 2008) joined Achungo in 6th grade. She had been attending Janeiro Junior Academo near Rodi. She says, “It was not good at all. The Janeiro compound was small and it did not even have a library . When the school closed for holidays, I was not surprised because the learning was … Continued

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Valence

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

Valence (b: June 4, 2006) joined Achungo in first grade. Prior to that he attended Ogongo Public Primary. He told us, “Achungo is different and the teachers are friendly and hardworking. I expected the teachers to be cruel but was happy that they are so friendly.” He lives in Ogongo, Kaitoma with his father and … Continued

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Gregory

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

Gregory (b: May 12, 2009) was in first grade at a public school, Nyangu Primary, when his father died. He told us, “It was hard for me to learn there and God told me that he would take me to a place where I could learn. The day I came to Achungo, when I was … Continued

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Ann

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

Three years ago, Ann’s parents brought her to Achungo, having heard about it in town. Ann (b: August 6,2007) told us, “I live with my parents at Sota Kochia. I have five siblings, two boys and three girls and they are also going to school. My father is the only one with a job and … Continued

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Benedict

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

“I have been at Achungo for 7 years, having heard about it from my parents. [Benedict was born June 16,2008] Prior to Achungo, I attended By-faith Foundation School in our area. When I first came to Achungo I thought that I would be bullied but I was never bullied. I live with my mother, Felister … Continued

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Brian

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

“My parents brought me to Achungo 12 years ago into preschool when they heard that there was a new school that had just been built in our area. Those days we were living in a rented room with my parents, father, Kislara (34) and my mother, Mary (31). My parents currently work at a hardware … Continued

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Felix

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

Felix (born August 8, 2008) told us, “My father asked a friend in Homabay for the best school to bring me to and he brought me to Achungo, 3 years ago. Prior to that, I attended a small school called Tassia Connerstone Academy.  That school did not have adequate learning resources and had a shortage of … Continued

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Idah

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

Idah (b: January 1, 2008) told us, “My father died before I was born. My mother is a tailor and is parenting me and my sister, as a single mother. My mother is my mentor, my pride and my biggest strength, even if she is a single mother. She is healthy and fit. I used … Continued

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Innocent Mike

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

Mike’s father brought him to Achungo several years ago, having heard from a friend that it was the best school around. Mike (b: March 13, 2008) had been attending Mirogi Boarding and Day School but he told us that the school had so few teachers they couldn’t cover all the required subjects. But with Achungo, … Continued

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Jerry

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

Jerry’s mother brought him to Achungo 7 years ago. He says he was immediately impressed with the quality of teaching at Achungo. “The best think about Achungo is that very many pupils have passed their KCPE with a good score. I believe in the name of God that I will also do the same. Here … Continued

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John

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

John (born January 30, 2009) told us, “I came to Achungo seven years ago after my father learned about it from the school headteacher. It is known as the best school ever in Homa Bay County.  I attended St. Mary’s Academy in Oyugis, but It had few teachers unlike Achungo. At Achungo I was surprised … Continued

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Lawrence Lucas

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

Lawrence (b:September 3, 2007) joined Achungo in the 6th grade after his father heard about it. Prior to that he had attended Kiwa Primary School in Gwasi Suba South, Nyandiwa district, Homa Bay county. He says there were not enough teachers there and poor instruction. When he came to Achungo he was immediately impressed with … Continued

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Rolex

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Imbo)

Rolex (born October 25, 2007) told us: “I came Achungo five years ago after attending a public school, Majiwa Primary School, near our village.  Achungo is very different in comparison. Rolex Ochieng Okeyo I have been living with my mother since my father passed away, five years ago. My mother keeps a small business. I … Continued

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Samwel

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

Samwel’s father brought him to Achungo several years ago. He says Achungo will allow him to achieve his dreams for the future. Samwel (b: June 20, 2007) had attended Rodi Primary, the local public school, but he says, “It not have many teachers and we used to play a lot and the teachers did not … Continued

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Silvance

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

Silvance (born September 3, 2008) came to Achungo in 4th grade after attending Wiga Primary School in Gwasi.  He told us that Wiga just didn’t have necessary learning materials and he found a much higher standard of learning at Achungo. He says that at Achungo he is confident in getting a good education so that … Continued

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Stephine

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

After Stephine’s mother died, his father brought his to Achungo into first grade. Before that, Stephene (b: April 12, 2007) attended Rarage Primary in Kabuoch. He would get to school late, at 8:00 am, because he was walking such a long distance from home. He says that Achungo is a very good school, and the … Continued

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Vincent

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 December (Rodi)

Vincent (born May 5, 2008) was brought by his father to Achungo in 4th grade. He had been attending Palu-Masogo Primary school near his home but says, “it was very poor in learning resources and we were not being taught much. At Achungo I can see good improvement.” At first I thought Achungo would be … Continued

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Adrian

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

Adrian (14) told us, “When my parents died, they left behind three children: my sister Gloria, my brother Basil and I.”  His Aunt Faith took them in and tries her best to take care of them but their life is difficult as she has no job nor any garden plot. They live in one of … Continued

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Ashler

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

Ashler’s parents died about 12 years ago in a traffic accident. She told us, “My parents suffered a lot and struggled just to have food for the family.  They meant everything to me and when they died, I realized that I was going to be an orphan and I felt very lonely. Ashler, her little sister, … Continued

Ashley

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

Ashley (14) told us her story: “I came to Achungo 10 years ago, having heard about it one evening when I was walking down the road to the village center to beg for food. I met Michael Nyangi Ojala, Achungo Director, who brought me to the school and enrolled me. I was 4 years old … Continued

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Beryl

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

Beryl’s parents died when she was about 3, c. 2011. They were extremely poor but had some income from her mother selling raw sugar and her father as a motorcycle taxi driver (“boda boda”). After their death, a friend of her mother took her in. Beryl told us, “My guardian works as a maid.  We only … Continued

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Brightone

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

I thank the Almighty God for having me at Achungo.  I came 8 years ago [when he was 7]. From the first I felt much happier because life at home had been very difficult. I had been living with my uncle and he would come home drunk and start all his dramas.  My brother, John, and sister, … Continued

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Britney

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

Britney (15) first came to Achungo 11 years ago into the preschool. When she was very young her father had died in a road accident and her mother soon after. Hearing of her situation, Director Nyangi brought her to Achungo. But after a few years, because she was taken in by a serious of families, … Continued

Cedrick

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

Cedrick’s parents died in a road accident when he was two and thereafter he has lived with his aunt. He told us, “The pain when I think of my parents is very hurtful. My aunt has a small garden with maize and beans for food for the family but the soil is poor and it … Continued

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Collince

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

Collince’s parents died in a road accident when he was quite small and his uncle, John Otula, took in Collince and his brother (Denis) and Sister (Sarah). They are quite poor and sometimes go without food. One day Collince was walking on the road, looking for some help or for a job to help the … Continued

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Eddy

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

“Before Achungo I lived in a small slum.  Life there was not a walk in the park because it was very difficult to earn a living. My father burned found wood to make charcoal to sell for food for our family and provide for our education. My mother tended our maize but the harvest was … Continued

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Emaqulate

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

Emaqulate’s parents died several years ago in a road accident. While they were alive, they would try to find work in order to pay for food and clothes, but a day’s wages were 100 Shillings (about 90 cents, U.S.). She says her 4 brothers ran away after her parents’ death, leaving Emaqulate alone. She was … Continued

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Evance

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

Evance’s father died in a car accident a few months before his birth and his mother died during his birth, so he has never known his parents. He has lived in Rodi-Kopany with his brother, Liam Gareth.  His sister, Megan Valerie, has died from disease, so it is just the two brothers. Liam works as … Continued

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Everlyne

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

Everlyn (14) writes, “I came to Achungo 8 years ago and immediately felt very happy because it was my first time attending such a good school.  I was particularly attracted to the way they respect their teachers. Before Achungo I was at Ndiru Primary school.  I would often go behind the bathrooms to cry because I had … Continued

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Ian

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

Ian’s story:  “My father died in a road accident while riding a motorcycle taxi and my mother died while giving birth to me. I don’t have any brothers or sisters and was taken in by a friend’s father, Mr. Otieno. He was 35 and had a garden where he would grow vegetables to sell. I … Continued

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Jack

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

Jack (15) told us, “My parents died when I was very young and I don’t have any brothers or sisters, but live in Rodi with my grandparents. They heard about Achungo from our pastor and entered me into the preschool 11 years ago.  The best thing about Achungo is that the teachers are passing knowledge to … Continued

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James

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

James’ story (he’s 15): “My parents and my brother died in a car accident when I was very little and my aunt, Patricia, took me in. She works as a watchman in Kochia. After my parents died, other people stole our subsistence garden that was our source of food. When I was about 5, a … Continued

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Jealan

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Rodi)

After Jealan’s parents died, she lived near Ongine with her grandmother before she also passed.  Jealan (14) told us, “She had a small garden but most of her plants died due to poor soil.  She would sometimes work as a housekeeper to earn some money. Life was not easy and we could go without food … Continued

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Josephine A

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Josephine (15) lives in Masakla village with her grandmother, Hellen Atieno (69). Hellen has chronic pain in her legs and very poor vision and so, is unable to work. They get their food from a small garden that is planted with maize. Her parents both died after long illnesses, her father with pneumonia and her … Continued

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Juliet

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Juliet was living in a nearby village with her grandmother when she heard about Achungo from a neighbor and enrolled four years ago.  She says she never knew my parents, not even if they are dead or alive. She has a brother and a sister who are living with other neighbors. Her grandmother has diabetes … Continued

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Robert

8th Grade Graduates of 2022 April (Imbo)

Robert (b:September 12, 2008) came to Achungo’s Imbo Primary in 4th grade having found out about it from a friend and then, searching the village for the school. Prior to Achungo he attended public school at God-Kado Primary. He told us,”Life in that school was not easy. We had to sit outside under a tree … Continued