Student Sponsorship Opportunities

We thank all the CML partners for their support that facilitated the successful launch of the CML Scholarship program last year. Your prayers and financial support went a long way in enabling several needy students to continue with school during the last year. More than 12 High School Students and 10 Primary School Students benefited from the CML Scholarship Fund in 2008. Three young people managed to graduate from high school through your support. We specially thank God for you and pray that you continue to be a blessing to others as His blessings continue to abound for you in 2009 and beyond.

This year, we continue to offer this invitation for you to pray about giving a gift that will have a direct and lasting impact in the lives of young Kenyans. So many bright, dedicated teenagers are unable to complete their education. This in turn contributes to the cycle of poverty and ignorance. It also affects the young people’s understanding, appreciation and belief in God as the Father who cares and provides for them.

For the youth we have profiled below, the separation, loss of one or both parents or the ensuing lack of finances has resulted in their missing school or accumulating large “Past Due Balances”. Nevertheless, these challenges have not diminished their hope or determination to succeed!

As you read about the students below, please note that School fees vary by school and grade and reflect the annual cost. The “Additional Est. Cost” covers the necessary items boarding students must supply such as uniforms, socks & shoes, gym attire, mattresses, sheets, blankets, washing basins, soap and hygiene products. Having purchased these items for numerous students in the past year, we estimate the cost to be between$300- $350.00 per student per year.

If you are a student yourself, consider making this a school project. In addition to meeting the financial need of a Kenyan student, we believe this would provide you and your school a positive cross-cultural learning experience.

We will continually be updating this blog entry with information on other needy students and other information as necessary. Please do feel free to invite your other friends to pray about this ministry opportunity.

For more information or any questions, Please do not hesitate to e-mail us at:

thechristianmile@yahoo.com

Tilly Atieno Ouma - Age 15
Tilly is a very soft spoken, bright, Form 3 student that attends Ulanda Girls' High School. An orphan, she and her 3 siblings are being cared for by their uncles. The uncles, who are also responsible for their own children and other extended family members, often are unable to pay Tilly’s school fees and she has in the past, missed some school because of this. In spite of the difficulties she has faced, her academic performance has been excellent and she finished 1st in her class of 195 students this past term. Tilly benefited from the CML Scholarship program last year.

In a short paper about her career goals, Tilly writes “ My role models are doctors...they motivate me and make me know that if they made it...I can also make it. Being a girl doesn’t hinder me from fulfilling my dreams, not even my background. God is always present... and has good plans for my future”. With this positive attitude and all A’s in Chemistry, Math, Physics & Biology -her dream of being a Doctor is very possible. Tilly says that her faith, prayers, and discipline keep her going and provide her with hope for the future.

2009 School fees: $ 582.00 USD Additional Est. Cost: $300.00 USD
TOTAL COST for this school year: $882.00 USD

Collins Odhiambo Okoth - Age 16

Collins is the only boy in a family consisting of 4 sisters and his mother. The death of his father in 2005 was devastating for his family and brought with it many financial hardships. With a meager income of about $30.00 per month, it has been difficult for his mother to pay school fees for 5 children. As a result, Collins' oldest sister had to quite school and his school performance has been affected by absenteeism.

He has not been able to afford school fees for boarding and has therefore opted to be a day scholar at Sigiria Mixed School. Collins is among those who benefited from the CML Scholarship program in 2008.

In spite of that, his teachers say he is a sensitive, hard working and dedicated young man with good potential. Collins is now in From 3, and he says that he wants to become a lawyer and "help people of my area and community".

2009 School fees: $150.00 USD Additional Est. Cost: $250.00 USD

TOTAL COST for this year: $400.00 USD

Rebecca Adhiambo Ododa - Age 16
Rebecca is a Form 3 student currently attending Dede Girls High School. Rebecca is an above average student and had received invitations from Private Schools in Nairobi to join High School but could not accept due to lack of finances. She was 3rd in her class in 2008. Her mother died in 2003 and her father is left to support her and 3 other children on less than $100 per month. He sold the family cows to pay for her school fees in 2007. Last year, Rebacca is among those who benefited from the CML Scholarship program.

Her teachers report that besides her superb academic performance, Rebecca is a humble, polite and dedicated student. She is active in drama, sports and the church youth choir. Rebecca's dream of becoming a Doctor would be made possible with your help.

2009 School fees: $359.00 USD Additional Est. Cost: $300.00 USD
TOTAL COST for this school year: $659.00 USD

Maureen Achieng Okaka - Age 18
Maureen is a very quiet and humble young lady. A partial orphan with only her elderly father to support her and 4 other siblings, she is currently staying with one of her teachers and wants more than anything to be able to return to school and complete her education.

Her teacher and Pastor report that she is a God-fearing girl of good character and was a good student. Her past school transcripts show that she was indeed an above average student. Due to lack of money for school fees, Maureen missed 1st term school in 2008. She was however able to join Form 2 in 2nd term as a result of support through the CML Scholarship program. Even then, Maureen managed to be 4th in her class of 37 students last year. With your financial help, she would continue and complete Form 3 this year.

2009 School fees: $353.00 USD Additional Est. Cost: $300.00 USD
TOTAL COST for this school year: $653.00 USD

Andrew Baraka Some - Age 18
Baraka and his 4 siblings are total orphans. Due to extreme poverty, only one of his siblings has been able to complete high school. With the help of his 25 year old brother who himself quit school and took a job doing bicycle repair, Baraka has been able to be on and off school. His dream of being one of the few in the family to complete school also includes going on to become an engineer so he can also help his younger siblings and the disadvantaged in the community.

His past academic performance show good grades and great potential if his school attendance can be maintained without absenteeism due to lack of school fees.

2009 School fees: $383.00 USD

Additional Est. Cost: $300.00 USD
(Past Due Balance: $850.00)
TOTAL COST for this school year: $683.00 USD

You can mail donations for Student Scholarships to the address below. If you want to sponsor a specific student, please attach a note bearing the student’s name.

On the check memo line, write “Davenport CML Account #2686”

Global Outreach International
P. O. Box 1
Tupelo, MS 38802.

Please Note:

All donations for Student Scholarships, including any remaining funds after payment of actual expenses for a specific student, will remain in the CML Students’ Scholarship fund and would be used for the sole purpose of assisting other needy students.

Blessings!