Maryhill Girls HS in Thika Kenya is one of the top rated national secondary schools in the nation. Madame Imelda Barassa had just been selected as a delegate to attend an international conference for Principals in Toronto, Canada. In 2011 she visited Canada and enjoyed the hospitality of CES Canada, the Ontario Principal's Council and the Toronto District School Board.
Linda Wabwire with CES Volunteer Karen Dahl (2014)
Here is Linda's story as she tells it:
"I was born in a polygamous family of 15. Brought up in a rural Kenyan town known as Mumias, I attended my primary education at Mumias Central Primary School. When I was 7 years old my beloved dad passed on and I was left in the care of my mum. Mum was such a darling. She struggled to raise the seven of us. Though her health was not stable, she ensured we got the basic needs. Unfortunately in 2008, mum passed on leaving me a total orphan. Mum's death affected me most since my dad passed when I was a little kid who didn't know much about death. My academics were affected as well. Fortunately my step sister took me in and became my guardian. In 2009 I sat for my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education at a different school. I performed well and qualified to join one of the best national schools in the nation - Maryhill Girls High School.
Marryhill Girls shaped me to who I am today. My sister sponsored my education until Form 2 where she lost her job. This was the restart of worries about my education, "I am an orphan - who will pay my school fees?" Decisions were made and I was to go study in a day school where school fees were more affordable. I did not buy the idea and decided to talk to my principal Madam Imelda Barasa. She had just visited Toronto Canada and there was introduced to CES Canada. She requested a scholarship for one of her needy students; how could I know that one was to be me?
Linda with Principal Barassa (Maryhill Girls HS) 2011
In 2011 CES Canada sent Sharyn Poole to Thika to visit Maryhill Girls and to see how I was doing. I got to know her and this dear Canadian adopted me like I was her own. Later she introduced me to her good friend Rev Livingstone Nyanje. Sharyn was such a darling to me, she made me feel a mother's love once more. Writing this fills my eyes with tears. Sharyn sponsored me academically. She often came to visit me in school together with Rev. Nyanje.
Trouble came again when in June 2013 my Canadian mum passed away. I was devastated and my future was uncertain. My principal being an understanding and caring lady allowed me to stay in school despite my huge fee arrears. Honestly, if God is for us, who can be against us?
Imelda Barassa (left) with OPC Counsel Salama Rajab in Toronto Canada
In November 2013 I sat for my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education and attained a grade of B+. I was eligible to attend university but there was no way for me to afford the fees. Rev. Nyanje and his wife Janet Isigi took me in and I became part of their family. This couple is very dear to me. Rev. Nyanje ensured that I was was considered for a post-secondary scholarship offered by CES Canada/Kenya. I was delighted to learn I was approved. With that gift, I joined Kibabii University College and now I pursue a degree in bachelor of Agriculture and Biotechnology.
CES has offered me a full scholarship and I am humbled and thankful for that. Not forgetting my wonderful guardians in Canada, Michael Frederiksen, Sandra Guthrie and Karen Dahl, I thank God for them and everyone who has made an impact on my life. I love you all."
