Kenya has its education system categorized in four; Kindergarten, Primary school, High school, University/college/tertiary, with the middle two having unified exams in the country.
The primary education national exam results are released at the end of December every year while the secondary schools results are released towards the end of February.

The post election violence at the beginning of 2008 that rocked Kenya interfered with the school system throughout the year. This can be attributed to the low grades registered this year.
Miale was able to produce one candidate in the just released 2008 KSCE results. She attained a fair grade. The reason why I chose to tell the story of Dolphine is because many times students like her fail to succeed in life, not because they aren’t capable but because they don’t get anyone to support them and guide them through the period after the exam results are out. Hence they are unable to make the best decisions that would help them to succeed in life.

Low grades however does not mean the end of all hope as is the case with Dolphine .She had the opportunity to interact with staff of Sumerian foundation and Johari and got to understand the diverse backgrounds of the staff ,and how they got to reach where they are in their lives. She discovered how it’s possible to proceed on to University/ college without necessarily attaining the highest grade i.e. doing a bridging course which then allows one entry to the degree level. Through the one week program organized by Maureen Buyu Miale coordinator where she got to talk with Sumerian and Johari staff, Dolphine was able to have a different perspective of life and have a sense of hope.

She is currently doing computer classes in Nairobi, Kenya. Successful completion of this course would be a stepping stone towards achieving her dreams. She says and I quote,”...I am so grateful for the help Sumerian foundation has given me, more so for allowing me to come to its offices and talk with all of the staff. Thank you for your advice.”

We at Sumerian foundation Kenya hope to have more success stories with all the children in the Miale programme.
Story by Chiku