Newly arrived at JAMS (above), she was already a serious student. Florence graduated from JAMS and will enter Smith College in Massachusetts this fall.

Orphaned young, Florence struggled to pay for primary school, collecting firewood and weeding fields to survive. She excelled academically despite her challenges. Secondary school fees seemed impossible until Friends of JAMS granted her a scholarship.

JAMS scholarships meet students’ needs with tuition, room and board, clothes, books, sanitary supplies, and medical attention, as well as strong support from fellow students and JAMS staff.

Florence seized this opportunity and achieved top grades. She then earned a place in the Kenya Scholar Access Program, which helps low-income, high-achieving students gain admission to American universities.

We applaud Florence as she settles into her new life at Smith College, where she plans to study economics.

JAMS founder Dr. Teresa Wasonga says, “Florence is turning her dreams into reality and inspiring all who witness her remarkable journey.”