Encouraging our students to write is at the core of our work. Over the years (nearly 15!), we have seen our students develop their writing and communication skills with every essay and letter they write. They’ve shared their happiest moments, scariest times, most challenging hurdles, and experiences that they can look back on and find a life lesson or have a good laugh. Through their writing, we’ve seen them discover themselves in the context of their communities, country, and greater world. Writing helps them define who they are and, in doing so, builds confidence. When they write about why they want to become a pilot, a teacher, or a brain surgeon, it gives them a path, a goal, and a reason to have hope.

Below are selected excerpts from the entries and a list of winners from our 4th Annual Writing Competition at Keneni Stars Academy, the primary school we started building in 2020 in Kechieyat, Kenya. Everyone receives feedback on their essay and a monetary reward to put toward their education. Thank you for helping us support these talented children. They come from extremely poor villages, and for them, attending school is a tremendous honor.

1. Have I learned something more about myself and life?

Brian Kipkirui wrote, “Because of the groups we formed, learning became easy, and we improved in our studies. I learnt about the power of working as a team – because teamwork makes the dream work.”

Keith Kipkoech wrote, “I look back at that incident and laugh about it. This is because my friend Ryan lost a tooth, and I have a long scar on my head as a reminder of that sunny day.”

2. Have I pushed myself as a writer to be clear, using periods, commas, question marks, and exclamation points? Have I ended every thought with a punctuation mark and started the next sentence with a capital letter? (I made a few corrections below.)

Brenda Chebet wrote, “There are many challenges I experience as a student that deter me from achieving my future goals. I can handle some, but others are too difficult. An example of such a challenge is having a shortage of water. This is the state of lacking water to use for cooking and to drink.”

3. Have I taken every opportunity to use descriptive words? Here are a few opportunities to consider: What was the first image you remember from your first day at your new school, Keneni Stars? How would you describe the teacher who helped you, Mr. Caleb? What would you see in the river where you collected water? What does your hospital look like – is it crowded? Are there pictures on the walls? What advice did your cousins give you when trying to teach you how to swim? How deep was the hole you fell into – was it rocky or muddy?

Lincoln Cheruiyot wrote, “I was full of fear because I had never gone swimming. My cousins moved to the freshwater. I joined them, but I was also afraid, even though they showed me how to swim. I could not understand them. I moved to the deeper part of the water, and suddenly, I nearly drowned. I lost control, and my uncle, who was a good diver, helped me out of the water.”

Abigael Chepkemoi wrote, “When my sister heard about the shocking news, she came as quick as lightning. The doctor did not allow her to see me. My friends were very sad to hear that I had malaria. They were sad because I could not play with them.”

Jarlote Jepjirjir wrote, “I wore my graduation gown, which was black and red in color, and the teachers wore gowns that were black and blue. There were no tents at our graduation because of the coronavirus, but the celebration that we performed went well, and I was happy as a king because it was my graduation.”

4. Finally, have I expanded the hearts and minds of others by sharing my story and who I am?

Caleb Kipngeno wrote, “My challenge was that I would have to rest for one month because I was feeling so much pain in my leg. I thanked the men who had helped me out of that deep hole. The challenge I came through was not easy for me, but I was happy as a bird since I was saved.”

Allan Cheruiyot wrote, “Now I look back and feel proud that I didn’t give up. Facing the challenge of a new school made me stronger and more open to new experiences. I was grateful that I didn’t give up. Instead, I stood up and faced the challenges that made me stronger and more confident.”

First Place Winner – $30 each for personal education:

*Meshack Omondi (6th grade)

*Brian Kipkirui (6^th grade)

*Allan Cheruiyot (5^th grade)

*Emmanuel Kipngeno (5^th grade)

* Abigael Chepkemoi (4^th grade)

*Precious Cheptoo (4^th grade)

*Adrian Kipruto (3^rd grade)

*Joy Chepkemoi (3^rd grade)

Second Place Winner – $25 each for personal education:

*Blessing Chepkoech (6^th grade)

*Brenda Chebet (6^th grade)

*Jarlote Jepjirjib (5^th grade)

*Leah Chelangat (5^th grade)

*Keith Kipkoech (5^th grade)

*Eliazer Kipkoech (4^th grade)

*Jael Chepchirchir (4^th grade)

*Brian Kipkoech (3^rd grade)

*Deborah Chepchumba (3^rd grade)

*Rayan Kibet (3^rd grade)

Honorable Mentions – $15 each for personal education:

*Lincoln Cheruiyot (6^th grade)

*Abigael Chepkemoi (6^th grade)

*Caleb Kipngeno (6^th grade)

*Valarine Cherotich (5^th grade)

*Ryan Kipchichir (5^th grade)

*Laban Kiplangat (5^th grade)

*Jayden Kipkirui (4^th grade)

*Damaris Chepkorir (3^rd grade)

*Joy Chepkoech (3^rd grade)

We congratulate all the students for showing courage and dedication entering the Competition. From our hearts, we see every one of them as a winner, and always look forward to reading more of their writing. Here are a few photos and a video of the children and parents receiving their awards.