Due to Hellen’s family’s financial instability, she would sometimes go a few days without any food, and she was unable to consistently go to school, as her parents were unable to pay for her basic school supplies required. Travelling to school was also really difficult for her, as she lived 9km from school, and along the route, she would need to cross three rivers. By her walking this long distance, it put her in danger of abuse, as she was really vulnerable, and anything could have happened to her along the way. During the rainy season, she was unable to cross the rivers, due to them being too full and dangerous, resulting in her having no choice but to stay at home. Many a time, due to her determination to receive an education, she would try her best to cross them, but it often put herself in harm’s way, and injuring herself. When Hellen was able to go to school and cross the rivers in the dry season, she often did not have all the school supplies that she needed, which made her feel insecure.
After meeting Hellen’s teachers at her school, we found out that her academic ability was average, due to her missing numerous days of school during the rainy season. She is a really hard worker, always cheerful, and she never allows her difficult situation to bring her down. Her teachers believe that with Catalyst Foundation’s support, she has the potential to greatly improve her academic ability, and be able to thrive in the classroom.
Through our holistic support provided to Hellen, we were able to remove all of her barriers, allowing her to now be able to consistently go to school and continue with her education, even during the rainy season. We provided Hellen with new school uniforms, shoes, a school bag, stationery, textbooks, exercise books, sanitary wear and family food hampers. Her parents now have peace of mind, knowing that all of her needs are taken care of by the Catalyst Foundation, allowing them to be able to focus on supporting the family and their needs.
Since joining the S.H.E Programme, Hellen has transformed into a confident individual, and is motivated to continue studying hard to complete her studies with flying colours. Once she finishes her secondary schooling, she has dreams of going to university to become a Teacher.
We asked Hellen to share with us in one sentence what the
Catalyst Foundation – S.H.E Programme means to her:
“Travelling to school was very hard for me, but the Catalyst Foundation has made it easier for me, which means I can focus more on making my S.H.E family proud.”