Below are the student profiles of the 16 students being supported by Reason2Smile.
Click on their names to learn more.
Click on their names to learn more.
Gideon N.
Class 8 - Bambino Academy School Mtwapa, Kenya Gideon is one of the younger students living at the Jambo Jipya Children’s home. He lives there with his older brother Manasee and older sister Mary. He has been at the children’s home since 2010-11. He now attends the Bambino Academy School which is a private primary day school in Mtwapa. Gideon is a very bright student and has ranked in the top three of his class while attending Jambo Jipya. At Bambino, he will be studying courses in Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Science and Technology, Social Studies, physical and health education, and Christian Religious Studies. He will also attend additional classes in preparation of the Kenyan Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE). His score on this exam will determine his options for Secondary Boarding School. This exam will be taken in March 2022. Gideon will then advance to Form 1 at the Secondary Level – school to be determined. Gideon has a wonderful smile and is full of life. He loves the outdoor activities, playing all sorts of games especially soccer as well as rapping and dancing. He was born in 2007 and is 14 years of age. |
Neema M
Nursing - Kenya Medical College Neema is attending the Kenyan Medical Training College and is pursuing a Diploma in Community Health Nursing. This is a three-year program with a six-month attachment/internship.
Neema has lived at the Jambo Jipya Children’s home since 2010 along with her older sister Rasoe. She attended the Jambo Jipya School but during her last year (Form 4) attended the Kanyangi Boarding School to allow for the best opportunity for acquiring the grades needed to gain acceptance in this nursing program. She graduated in December 2019 and was to start her Nursing degree in March 2020 but due to Covid -19 that was not possible. Neema was able to begin her studies in March 2021 and is just beginning Term 2 of her first year. She is enjoying her coursework but says it is very challenging. She is taking 13 units of study in the following areas: Midwifery, Reproductive Health, Fundamentals of Nursing, Microbiology, HIV/Aids, Community Health, Applied Communication and Skills, Psychology/Sociology/Anthropology, Anatomy and Environmental Health. Her classes begin at 8:00 am and end at 4:00pm. She studies three units per day, each for a period of two hours and then focuses on additional coursework and studying in the evenings. In August she did her end of semester exams and is waiting for the results. Neema will begin Semester 2 in September. What Neema enjoys most about this school and program is the fact the hospital is nearby (right outside the campus grounds) so she can easily go for observations. Neema is working very hard and is grateful for the opportunity to pursue her dreams. |
Ritah W
Business Studies - KIM Ritah has been living at the Jambo Jipya Children’s home since the beginning and attended the Jambo Jipya School. She graduated in 2016 and and took some computer classes before applying to attend the Institute of Commercial Management. At the Institute, she began studying Hotel and Restaurant Management, taking classes in culinary theory, front offices operations, housekeeping and restaurant services. After a completion of her studies, Ritah then spent 6 months in an attachment at the Voyager Hotel. She received certificates in Restaurant Services, Front Office Operations and Administration, House Keeping Operations, and Culinary Theory in the Fall/Winter 2019. Ritah was then offered a position at the Voyager Hotel in Nyali as a casual employee. Unfortunately, that position was furloughed in March 2020 do to Covid-19. But being ambitious, Ritah decided to continue her education online taking classes in Procurement at the Kenyan Institute of Management in Mombasa. Her course work is in purchasing and supply chain management and deals with every activity involved in obtaining the goods and services a company needs to support its daily operations, including sourcing, negotiating terms, purchasing items, receiving, and inspecting goods as necessary and keeping records of all the steps in a competitive bidding process. Ritah just completed a three-month attachment/internship and will be taking her final exams at the end of September/ the beginning of October. Graduation will take place in November 2021. |
Rasoe M
Kenya Medical Training College Rasoe is attending the Kenyan Medical Training College and is pursuing a Certificate in Health Records and Information Technology. This is a two-year program with 2 four-month attachment/internship and the end of each year. Rasoe has lived at the Jambo Jipya Children’s home since 2010 along with her younger sister Neema. She attended the Jambo Jipya School but during her last year (Form 4) attended the Kanyangi Boarding School to allow for the best opportunity for acquiring the grades needed to gain acceptance in this nursing program. She graduated in December 2019 and had just started school in March 2020 but had to leave campus due to Covid -19. In September 2020, online learning was established and Reason2Smile purchased a laptop for her to continue her studies. In January 2021 Rasoe was able to return to campus. She is enjoying her coursework but work hard to keep up with a challenging schedule. She is taking 11 units of study in the following areas: Health statistics, Health records management, Human anatomy and physiology, Human pathology, Health data classification, Medical terminology, Computer applications in health care, Health information systems, Human psychology, communication skills and HIV/AIDs/STI. Rasoe is performing her year one attachment (in Vihiga County) that finishes in December 2021. After holiday break she will begin year 2 in January 2022. Some new coursework in year two will be Management and Community Health and First Aid. Her classes begin at 8:00 am and end at 4:00pm. She studies three units per day, each for a period of two hours and then focuses on additional coursework and studying in the evenings. Rasoe is really enjoying her attachment where she is performing hands on work and gaining valuable experience in the field of nursing. All her expenses including tuition, textbooks, equipment, room and board, food, pocket allowance, transportation and computer/phone are being paid for by Reason2Smile. This would not be possible without donor support. Both Reason2Smile and Rasoe are so grateful she has this opportunity. |
Kennedy M
Trade School - ICT Certificate at Kenyan Coast National Polytechnic Kennedy has been living at the Jambo Jipya Children’s home with his sister, Faith for many years and is a graduate of the Jambo Jipya School. He is attending Kenyan Coast National Polytechnic in Mombasa. Kennedy is studying Information, Communication and Technology, a two-year certificate course. He was supposed to begin his studies in 2020 but was delayed due to the Covid 19 pandemic. He began his program in the winter/spring of 2021. He is now in term 3 of his first year where he is taking coursework in Business Planning, Mathematics, Information, Communication and Technology part 2, Basic Electronics, Communication Skills and Computer Operating Systems. Kennedy is enjoying his studies and will be complete the certificate program Fall 2022 and then will do an internship/attachment for 3 months. He possesses a wonderful positive attitude of life that is communicated through his great smile. He extends his appreciation to all who have gotten him to this point. |
Zaida M.
Certificate in Secretarial Studies from Kenya Coast National Polytechnic in Mombasa Zaida M. attended and graduated from the Jambo Jipya School in Mtwapa. She lives with her family in town and is the oldest of three and the only girl. Zaida and her brothers were scholarship students at Jambo Jipya. Upon graduation, she wanted to continue her studies, but the family could not afford the tuition fees along with everyday transport and school supplies. In the summer of 2019, Zaida, Christine Mwende and myself sat with Zaida and the course offerings at KCNP and registered her for a Certificate in Secretarial Studies. It is a two-year course with a 3 month internship/ attachment. She began her studies in September 2019 but due to the Covid -19 pandemic her studies were suspended. In November 2020 Zaida began her course for examinations and classes resumed in January 2021. The units of studies are in the areas of: Commerce, Shorthand, Office administration and management, Office policy and procedures, Communication skills, and Computer programs such as Microsoft and Excel. She is presenting finishing year 2 of the program and will begin her attachment in December 2021. Zaida is a lovey young lady with a bright smile and a positive attitude. She is extremely grateful to Jambo Jipya and Reason2Smile for the opportunities we have provided for her. |
Emmanuel M.
Class 8 - Bambino Academy School Emmanuel is one of the younger students living at the Jambo Jipya Children’s home. He has been at the children’s home since his mother passed away in 2013. He now attends the Bambino Academy School which is a private primary day school in Mtwapa. Emmanuel is a good student and is hardworking. He is attending Bambino Primary along with his fellow student and friend Gideon. At school, he will be studying courses in Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, Science and Technology, Social Studies, physical and health education, and Christian Religious Studies. He will also attend additional classes in preparation of the Kenyan Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE). His score on this exam will determine his options for Secondary Boarding School. This exam will be taken in March 2022. Emmanuel will then advance to Form 1 at the Secondary Level – school yet to be determined. Emmanuel is a good natured and puts forth his best effort. He loves outdoor activities, playing all sorts of games especially soccer as well as rapping and dancing. He was born in 2007 and is 14 years of age. He is very grateful for the opportunity to attend Bambino Primary and is looking forward to what comes next. |
Collins J.
Electrical Engineering and Electronic Department – Kenya Coast National Polytechnic Collins has been living at the Jambo Jipya Children’s home for many years along with his older brother Adrian, and younger brother Reagan. He is a graduate of the Jambo Jipya School and had started his certificate program in electronic installation at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic in March 2020. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic his studies were put on hold until January 2021 when he resumed in person classes. Collins in in his third term of his first year and is projected to finish his studies in the fall of 2022. Collins will then have a 3-month internship/attachment and then graduate the program. He is studying coursework in the following area: Organization, Management and Communication, Electrical Engineering Principles, Industrial motors and control, Electrical maintenance and fault diagnosis, Mathematics, Microelectronics, Business planning, and Electrical Installation. Collins is working hard and enjoys the classes in electronical engineering principles as well as electrical installation the most. He is very appreciative of this opportunity and is grateful to learn skills in this area. Hoping for good things from him. |
Grace A.
Kenyan Medical Training College Grace is attending the Kenyan Medical Training College and is pursuing a Certificate in Community Health Nursing. This is a two-year program with a six-month attachment/internship. Grace has lived at the Jambo Jipya Children’s home since 2010 and attended the Jambo Jipya School. Her final year - Form 4, she attended the Kanyangi Boarding School to allow for the best opportunity for acquiring the grades needed to gain acceptance in this nursing program. She graduated in December 2019 and started her Nursing degree in March 2020 but due to Covid -19 was forced to come home. In September 2020, online learning was established and Reason2Smile purchased a laptop for her to continue her studies. In January 2021 Grace was able to return to campus. She is enjoying her coursework but says it is very challenging. She is taking 10 units of study in the following areas: Anatomy and physiology, Psychology, Microbiology and parasitology, First-aid, basic life support, Hiv Aids and STIs, community health strategy-prevention and control of diseases, Community health promotion, Health system management and Nutrition. Her classes begin at 8:00 am and end at 4:00pm. She studies three units per day, each for a period of two hours and then focuses on additional coursework and studying in the evenings. In August she did her end of semester exams and is waiting for the results. Grace will begin Semester 2 in September. What Grace enjoys most about the nursing program is her ability to apply her knowledge in a hospital or community clinic setting. She can already see the impact in dealing with patients. She loves learning and helping people and giving them the knowledge to take care of themselves. Grace is working very hard and is grateful for the opportunity to pursue her dreams. Grace’s sponsorship includes tuition, room and board, food allowance, books, uniforms, supplies, transportation costs and her laptop. |
Irine M.
Craft Certificate in Fashion and Garment making Kenya Coast National Polytechnic in Mombasa Irine M has been lived at the Jambo Jipya Children’s home for many years. She attended Jambo Jipya primary and secondary school having graduated this past summer. In September she began studying Fashion and Garment Making at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic. This is a two-year program involving course work in fashion design, tailoring and dressmaking that involves clothing construction, alterations, pattern making, fashion history, sewing techniques, drawing/illustration, patterning and fabrics. This will be followed by a three-month internship/attachment in the field. Irine will gain the hands-on experience of the field as well as learn the ins and outs of owning a business, securing clients, marketing, and budgeting. Irine is very excited to be studying at KCNP and is grateful for this opportunity. Her program costs include tuition, transportation, supplies, books, food and upon graduation a sewing machine. |
Norman N.
Electrical Engineering and Electronic Department – Kenya Coast National Polytechnic Norman has been living at the Jambo Jipya Children’s home for many years. He is a graduate of the Jambo Jipya School and recently started his certificate program in Electronic Installation (Wireman) at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic in May 2021. Norman has just begun term 2 which will finish in December 2021. Then he will start term 3 in January 2022 and finish in May 2022. This will then be followed by a three-month internship/attachment. He will graduate from his studies in August 2022 and then fine employment. His coursework in the following area: Electrical Engineering Principles, Industrial motors and control, Electrical maintenance and fault diagnosis, Mathematics, Electrical Installation, conduits/outlets/control panels. Norman is working hard and enjoys the classes in electronical installation. He most enjoys the hand-on classroom work where he gets to apply the skills he learns in the classroom. He is very appreciative of this opportunity and is grateful to be part of this field. His sponsorship includes tuition, transportation, food, supplies- pliers, level, hammer, coveralls, safety gear, tape measure, screw drivers, multimeter, phase tester etc. |
Faith M.
Form 4 at St. John’s Secondary School for Girls – Kilifi County Mombasa Faith have lived at the Jambo Jipya Children’s home since about 2011 along with her older brother Kennedy. She attended Jambo Jipya but scored very well on her KCPE – Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exam which is taken at the end of Grade 8. Faith was accepted at the St. John’s Secondary School for Girls, a boarding school in Kilifi County, Mombasa. She is now in her last year and will take the Kenya Secondary School Examinations (KCSE) in March 2022. Her score on this exam determines the next step in post-secondary education – college, trade school, university. From conversations with Faith, she is leaning toward the medical or business fields so we will revaluate in the spring of 2022. A typical day for her at St. Johns means being up around 5:45am six days a week. Chores and breakfast with the start of classes around 7:00am. Lunch is between 12:30 and 1:30pm and then back to class till about 4:00pm. There is time for extra-curriculars, or students can continue to study/practice tests till dinner time. Dinner is from 5:30pm to 6:30 pm. Then study hall/extra-help time with a teacher present followed by independent study/homework time till 9:45. Back to room and prepare for bed. Lights out around 10:30pm. There is a ½ day of classes and study time on Saturday that ends at lunch. Free time the rest of the day. Sunday is morning church services with free time till after dinner where study hall/homework time resumes till bedtime. Faith takes courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, history, English, Swahili, agriculture, gym, Christian studies, business studies as well as art and dance. She is a wonderful young lady who is very determined to excel. She is extremely grateful for having this educational opportunity and plans to do well on her upcoming KCSE exams. |
Manasee M.
Kisayani Boys Secondary School – Form 1 (Freshman) Manasee has been living at the Jambo Jipya Children’s home for many years along with his older sister Mary, and younger brother Gideon. He attended the Jambo Jipya School and sat for the KCPE – Kenya Certificate of Primary Education in late spring 2021. Manasee scored very high on this test and was accepted at Kisayani Boys Secondary School in Kalulini, Kenya. It is about a 4 ½ hour drive from Mwtapa. Manasee began school in August of 2021 and is getting ready to begin term 2 next week. His coursework involves English, Swahili, Mathematics, Geography, Christian Studies, Biology, Physical Science, Business Studies and Agriculture. The school day begins at 6:15am with breakfast and chores. Then classes begin by 7:15am till lunch at 12:30. Classes resume at 1:30pm till about 4:00pm. From 4:00pm till 5:45pm is time for extra-curricular activities and games. Dinner is from 6:00pm to 7:00pm followed by study hall and homework center till around 9:30pm. Then time for bed. On Saturday there is study hall/homework time till noon – then free time. On Sunday is church in the morning followed by free time but at 7:00pm study hall/homework time resumes till 9:30pm. According to his first report card, he is ranked 15 of 70 students in his class. He is so grateful to attend Kisayani Secondary and plans to continue to excellent in his studies. |
Mark J.
Form 2 at Sumbi Secondary Boys School – Kibwezi, Kenya Mark is one of the newer students living at the Jambo Jipya Children’s home since around 2017. His sister was also living there for periods of time but is now with another family member. Mark was attending the Jambo Jipya school till July 2021 when it was destroyed. We were able to get him admitted into a boarding school – Sumbi Boys Secondary (around 4 hours away by car) where he has been since August of 2021. His coursework involves English, Swahili, Mathematics, Geography, Christian Studies, Biology, Physical Science, Business Studies and Agriculture. The school day begins at 6:15am with breakfast and chores. Then classes begin by 7:15am till lunch at 12:30. Classes resume at 1:30pm till about 4:00pm. From 4:00pm till 5:45pm is time for extra-curricular activities and games. Dinner is from 6:00pm to 7:00pm followed by study hall and homework center till around 9:30pm. Then time for bed. On Saturday there is study hall/homework time till noon – then free time. On Sunday is church in the morning followed by free time but at 7:00pm study hall/homework time resumes till 9:30pm. Mark is so grateful to attend Sumbi Secondary and plans to work hard in all his subjects. Not only did Reason2Smile pay his tuition fees, but also books, uniforms, and items needed to attend boarding school such as sheets, blankets, mattress, towel, locker, flashlight, and personal hygiene items. Reason2Smile also provide small pocket money and transport cost back and forth to school on mid-term and end of term breaks. |
Mary H.
Diploma in Chemical Engineering at Technical University of Mombasa Mary is a recent graduate of Jambo Jipya School and has lived at the Children’s home for many years along with her two younger brothers, Manasee and Gideon. In September 2021, Mary began her coursework to obtain a Diploma in Chemical Engineering at TUM – Technical University of Mombasa Tudor Campus. This is a three-year program that will require an attachment/internship for 3-6 months after her coursework is completed. Mary is enrolled in eight units of study this semester: Mechanical Engineering Science, Physical Science, Engineering Math, Drawing, Computer Applications, Communication Skills and HIV Awareness. She is a very bright girl with a mind for problem solving and a love of mathematical equations. She is so appreciative of this opportunity to study at TUM and looks forward to learning in this field. |
Reagan J.
Form 2 at Sumbi Secondary Boys School – Kibwezi, Kenya Reagan J. has lived at the Jambo Jipya Children’s home since he was around four years of age along with his older brothers Adrian and Collins. Reagan was attending the Jambo Jipya school till July 2021 when it was destroyed. We were able to get him admitted into a boarding school – Sumbi Boys Secondary (around 4 hours away by car) where he has been since August of 2021. His coursework involves English, Swahili, Mathematics, Geography, Christian Studies, Biology, Physical Science, Business Studies and Agriculture. The school day begins at 6:15am with breakfast and chores. Then classes begin by 7:15am till lunch at 12:30. Classes resume at 1:30pm till about 4:00pm. From 4:00pm till 5:45pm is time for extra-curricular activities and games. Dinner is from 6:00pm to 7:00pm followed by study hall and homework center till around 9:30pm. Then time for bed. On Saturday there is study hall/homework time till noon – then free time. On Sunday is church in the morning followed by free time but at 7:00pm study hall/homework time resumes till 9:30pm. Reagan is so grateful to attend Sumbi Secondary and plans to work hard in all his subjects. Not only did Reason2Smile pay his tuition fees, but also books, uniforms, and items needed to attend boarding school such as sheets, blankets, mattress, towel, locker, flashlight, and personal hygiene items. Reason2Smile also provide small pocket money and transport cost back and forth to school on mid-term and end of term breaks. |
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION OPTIONS
Many graduates attend trade school programs such as Hair Design, auto-mechanics, catering or college diploma programs in Business or Nursing. Some do go on to attend University. Reason2Smile assists students in reaching these goals.
Many graduates attend trade school programs such as Hair Design, auto-mechanics, catering or college diploma programs in Business or Nursing. Some do go on to attend University. Reason2Smile assists students in reaching these goals.