Scholarships have an extraordinary impact on the lives of JAMS students. Their letters to sponsors recount their school experiences and heartfelt gratitude, but rarely share personal circumstances. Here we provide some background details about three typical JAMS scholarship students.
In Kenya, even public high schools require parents to pay tuition, fees, and room and board, so public school is not an option for our scholarship students. Without JAMS scholarships, these girls would not have attended high school, would not be safe and healthy, and would not be prepared to change their futures. Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the students.
Mercy Achieng grew up in extreme poverty and poor health. Noticing that Mercy was exceptionally bright and loved school, her elementary teachers provided love along with food and healthcare. After Mercy finished 8th grade, a teacher helped her submit a JAMS scholarship application. A scholarship student for three years, Mercy has consistently ranked in the top 2% of JAMS students. She is preparing for a career in medicine.
Judy Adhiambo is an orphan who has been shunted among family members. Teachers helped to address Judy’s basic needs. Her stepbrother asked a local headmaster to help apply for a JAMS scholarship for Judy, who had nearly given up hope of attending high school. Judy joined Form One for the 2021 school year and finished her first term with an A- average. She hopes to become a teacher.
Grace Akoth completed her first year at JAMS, supported by her parents’ small business. In 2020-21, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, their business went under, and money for JAMS fees was gone. Her mother explained their plight to JAMS principal, who arranged a scholarship using Friends of JAMS COVID Emergency Funds. An average student academically, Grace loves the agriculture program and participates in school leadership.
You can learn more about the backgrounds of many JAMS students in “From Home to JAMS.”
JAMS scholarship students go on to vocational colleges, universities, and/or to start their own businesses. For example, one scholarship alumna started a baking business and within four years saved enough to pay her own way to university. Another alum finished her four-year degree and now teaches science at the high school level. Another is in the final year of her computer science degree and visits schools throughout her home district to encourage girls to go into STEM fields.
In keeping with the school’s holistic educational philosophy, JAMS scholarships provide full tuition and fees, room and board, clothing, all toiletries and personal needs, school supplies, books, and routine medical care.
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