At just 13 years old, Rael has already faced more hardship than many experience in a lifetime.

After her father passed away, life became increasingly difficult for her family in Kakuma, Kenya. Her mother struggled to care for the household, leaving Rael to shoulder responsibilities far beyond her years. “I had to prepare mandazi and sell them so I could buy food for my siblings,” Rael shared.

Even when she became seriously ill after moving in with relatives so she could continue her education, Rael’s determination never wavered. Later, after suffering a painful injury at home, she tried to hide her burns and continue attending school. It wasn’t until a teacher noticed she was in pain that the extent of her situation became known.

Rather than letting her struggle alone, her teachers stepped in with compassion and support with the aid of the TOGETHER Project, ensuring she could continue learning while she recovered. Today, Rael continues to care for her siblings while pursuing her education. Her family’s circumstances remain challenging, but a small food kiosk run by her older sister has begun providing a steady source of income, helping ease some of the burden.

Through the TOGETHER Project, Rael has also found encouragement through her school’s Life Skills Club. There, she has learned about staying in school, making healthy choices, and seeking help from trusted adults during difficult times. For Rael, these lessons have reinforced what she already believes: education is her pathway to a different future. She understands the risks many young people face when they leave school and is determined to keep learning despite every obstacle.

For children like Rael, school is a place of safety, encouragement, and hope, a place where trusted adults believe in their potential and help them build a brighter future.

Because of the generosity of donors like you, students like Rael are receiving the support, life skills, and encouragement they need to stay in school and pursue their dreams. Your faithful partnership is helping vulnerable children develop resilience, overcome adversity, and believe that a brighter tomorrow is possible.