A Brightened Life by Holi Juliet
Jennifer Watrous, all of us at Lift the Lid and the students at Lenana Girls High School in Kitale, Kenya are grateful for your donation. In exchange for your support, Holi Juliet, one of the first students admitted to Lenana, will share her essay, A Brightened Life.
Holi has worked hard to make it to Lenana and deeply appreciates her sponsorship. She holds steadfast to the belief that if she continues to work hard, she’ll be able to remain in school and one day end her family’s poverty.
She writes, “I want to save my family members from leading a wretched life. I also want to brighten my future.” Holi has three siblings. She is fortunate that both her parents are alive; her father is a teacher and her mother farms their small plot of land.
Holi, seeing as your father is a teacher, I imagine he places a lot of value on an education and is very proud of your accomplishments already. Your goals are admirable, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Take your tasks one at a time and enjoy the process of learning. It’s a lifelong journey!
Sara
Holi,
Thank you for your words that help me to better see your heart. I too am thankful for your sponsor which allows you opportunities that were not open to you before.
In the photo that is shown with this communication, you are standing on concrete, and just in front of you the concrete is busted up and pieces are broken out of it. In the valley of those breaks are signs of life….green and beautiful among the slab that are not meant to be there, but somehow have managed to make their way and grow.
It makes me think of your situation, and how through what seems impossible you are getting a chance to make a way.
I have a feeling it will likely always feel like a struggle, but preserve on and grow where it almost doesn’t seem possible; we are cheering you on in that journey.
Dear Jennifer and Sara,
As a Lenana supported girl, I want to work extremely hard. I want to challenge the idea of girls being physically weak, psychologically inferior and academically lame just because of gender. I am determined to try the subjects taken by boys and beat them at their own game. I sincerely write to inspire my fellow girls. I put my pen against this paper to encourage, provoke and challenge the historic mentality of girls. I say categorically that where that there is a will there is a way, and that girls stand equal to boys for opportunities of academic success.
Thank you.
Holi.