Dec 2025 Progress Update Nakuru–Meru Child Sponsorship Program
As we move through 2025, we are grateful to share the remarkable progress happening within our Nakuru–Meru Child Sponsorship Program in Kenya.
This update represents the tireless work on the ground by our field manager, Joash Barasa Wakhungu, and the continued generosity of Mark & Josanne Holland, together with our friends, supporters, and ICO partners. Your support continues to change lives in ways that cannot be overstated.
All sponsored students successfully completed Term 2, and each one returned to school fully prepared — a major accomplishment given the challenges many face in their home communities.
Primary & Junior Secondary Learners
A total of 16 girls across several counties continued their studies without interruption:
- Pokot – St. Luke’s Kasitet Primary & Junior Secondary
12 girls - St. Clare Elburgon Primary School – Nakuru
1 girl - Bishop Ndingi Primary School – Molo
1 girl - St. Mark Thathimwene JSS & Nkinyang’a Primary – Meru
2 girls
Every one of these young learners remains in school because supporters like you have stepped in where families and communities could not.
University Students Making Major Strides
Our university students continue to demonstrate resilience, discipline, and leadership.
● Nahashon N. Mburu
After years of hard work — and many personal challenges — Nahashon is now preparing to be admitted to the Bar and receive his legal practicing license. His journey has not been easy, but he persisted. Behind his success stands consistent support from Mark & Josanne and our entire community.
● Winfred – Mt. Kenya University
Studying Special Needs Education / CRE / History, Winfred is now completing her teaching practicum in Isiolo, one of Kenya’s most marginalized and insecure regions. Most teachers refuse to work there, but she chose to serve the children who need the most help. Her strength and compassion reflect the impact of the sponsorship program.
● Valentine – Mt. Kenya University (Education: Geography & Kiswahili)
Perhaps one of the most moving transformation stories:
- Rejected by her father for wanting an education
- Pressured to abandon school for a forced marriage to a 60-year-old man
- Survived a suicide attempt
- Lost her home and family support
Despite all this, Valentine stayed focused. Supported by Mark & Josanne, she completed her secondary education, earned a B- grade, and entered university. Her story is proof that education literally saves lives.
2025 Examination Candidates
This year we have 9 official candidates preparing for the national exams between October 27 – November 7, 2025:
Grade 6 Candidates (6 Girls)
- Gladys C. Akileng – St. Luke’s Kasitet, Pokot
- Stency C. Kalikwen – St. Luke’s Kasitet, Pokot
- Gloria C. Relio – St. Luke’s Kasitet, Pokot
- Gladys C. Lorapis – St. Luke’s Kasitet, Pokot
- Avril Wanjiku Kimani – Bishop Ndingi, Molo
- Gladys W. Wainaina – St. Clare Elburgon, Nakuru
Grade 9 Candidates (3 Girls)
- Marcy C. Liyet – St. Luke’s Kasitet JSS
- Sheila C. Letuw – St. Luke’s Kasitet JSS
- Marion C. Akurot – St. Luke’s Kasitet JSS
Many of these girls come from communities where early marriage, FGM, cattle raiding, and strong cultural restrictions make education nearly impossible. Yet they are still in school today — because of your support.
Transformational Progress in Marginalized Communities
Thanks to the program:
- Girls who would otherwise face forced marriage are now in classrooms, preparing for national exams.
- Students who once herded animals in remote regions now speak confidently about a future in law, teaching, medicine, and leadership.
- Entire families and villages are seeing the value of education for the first time.
- Children are receiving clean water, proper food, school supplies, and parental support that they never had before.
Mark and Josanne, even at their stage of life, continue to work day and night to ensure each child has what they need — not just for school, but for dignity, nutrition, safety, and hope.
This is not charity.
This is nation-building — one child at a time.
The Pokot Girls’ Transition Journey
One of the most powerful success stories this year is the educational transition of girls from Pokot:
- Early photos (2020) show Grade 4–6 students from St. Luke’s Kasitet Primary.
- Recent photos (2025) show the same girls now in Grade 8 and Grade 9, confident and ready for the next step in life.
This kind of long-term transformation is exactly what the program was designed for.
School Calendar Update
- All primary and junior secondary schools will close on 21st of this month.
- Only Grade 6 and Grade 9 candidates will remain in school to prepare for national exams.
Conclusion
The progress in 2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary. What began as simple acts of support has now grown into a powerful movement, reshaping futures across Nakuru, Meru, Pokot, Isiolo, and beyond.
To Mark & Josanne:
Your commitment continues to open doors for children who would otherwise have none. Their future literally rests in your hands — and the impact will echo for generations.
To our supporters and friends:
Your generosity has created real, lasting change. Thank you for standing with these young people.
Prepared by:
Joash Barasa Wakhungu
Field Manager – Nakuru–Meru Child Sponsorship Program
2025
