Myself, by Akinyi Prudence

Thank you Christine Schutt from Manhattan for your donation to Lenana Girls High School in Kitale, Kenya. Akinyi Prudence is a part of the first class admitted to the school, which Common Ground for Africa with Lift the Lid’s help is working to complete and make a self-sustaining, reputable boarding school for displaced girls who score well on the national exams. Akinyi entered her essay “Myself” in Lenana’s First Annual Writing Competition sponsored by Lift the Lid and was awarded an Honorable Mention.

“Myself” is the true story of how her father’s sudden unemployment and violent nature led to the downfall of her family. Her mother is now dead and her younger brother is still missing, yet Akinyi manages to cope with her disappointment and loss and puts her energy into her studies and her hope for a better future.

Every donation to Lenana goes toward the development of the school and gives emotional and intellectual support to the students by publishing their writing. Thank you, again, Christine!