Emmaqulate, born in 2008, lives in Homa-Bay County with her guardian, her mother’s brother. Her family situation is marked by instability; her guardian, a former mason, is now unemployed. This creates significant financial hardship, impacting the family’s ability to provide for their basic needs. With only her mother and her brother, Emmaqulate has faced a challenging upbringing. Before coming to Achungo in 2020, she attended Lo-rateng Primary School, where the quality of teaching and academic performance were not up to the standard she needed to thrive.
Achungo school has been a transformative force in Emmaqulate’s life. After joining in the fifth grade, she quickly noticed that the teachers at Achungo were better than other schools and knew how to teach very well. She believes that at Achungo, “every child is an achiever,” and this environment has empowered her to work harder and succeed. She also values the supportive community, noting that “people like assisting each other and especially those who are in need.” This sense of camaraderie and shared purpose has given her the confidence to excel.
Emmaqulate’s ambitions are deeply rooted in her desire for a better future. She dreams of becoming a soldier. This career choice, a profession that demands strength and discipline, is a testament to her resilience and determination to overcome her struggles. She is confident that with “the Grace of God,” she will achieve her goal. Achungo school is the critical foundation that is providing her with the education and support she needs to pursue a life of stability and purpose, ensuring that her difficult past will not define her future.