My father, Jack Otieno, passed away when I was a small boy and I don’t remember him at all. I lived in Mombasa with my mother, Night Salome, but she died recently. She was a hardworking mother and I appreciated her. Even with the absence of my father, it was good to be in the care of my mother. She was as industrious as an ant and tried her best. She died at 38 years old at the Makadora Hospital in Mombasa. She was isolated in the hospital until she passed away. Now I am a grownup (15) and I know what is good and what is bad. I must be as sober as a judge to fulfill my dreams.
I was left with my older sister, Hanna Stancia (16) and my brother, Tito Marwa (6). We live with my aunt who is a good mother and kind to all of us. I thank God for his grace and how far he has brought us. I know God has a plan for me. Jesus is my strength and my joy, my hope and my strength. I thank him and lift up his name. When I am down, He lifts me up and gives me joy when I am sad. Jesus is my strength.
I have been at Achungo for about seven months [in 2022]. It is one of the best schools for me in my life. All the students and teachers are well-disciplined. The teachers are good and teach well. Earlier I attended Servestor Academy in Mombasa. Achungo is much better with most students passing. It is a good environment with good teaching and is even a Christian school. I have hopes that this year we will have the best exam scores in Homa Bay County. Achungo is different from other schools and is one of the best in discipline.
During breaks I like getting help from our teachers in my studies and I also study at home so that I can grow up to help my little brother have a good future.
After my education I want to become a lawyer. It has been my dream since childhood to become a polite and good lawyer. I want to save lives of the innocents on the street. By the grace of God, I will be pure, kind, and true. I will keep the laws of our government and will be a servant to God and a friend to man.
Wherever you are, my mother, may your soul rest in peace. In life I will try to be a pure and kind human being. I have a belief that with God everything is possible. I have faith that God will take me out of this mess.
To everyone in America, we appreciate you, and I am praying so that God may help you, wherever each of you are. We thank you very much for care and love that you have given us. We all thank you for the support that you have given our director. Thank you.