Terry Sheldon from Lenana Girls High School
A great big congratulations to Terry Sheldon at Lenana Girls High School for placing First in their Second Annual Writing Competition sponsored by Lift the Lid! In her winning essay titled My Life Experience, Terry writes about her struggle to stay in school from the time she was six due to a lack of funds.
At one point her uncle covered the costs. Terry writes, “My uncle’s wife used to beat me when I performed better than her daughter. I promised myself that she will only hurt the outer part of me, but never will she harm my dreams, my determination, my hopes. Never would she harm them.”
Terry took the national exam and scored high. She now has a sponsor and is happy attending Lenana Girls High School. Click on the images below to read about her fight to go to school, including her narrow escape from Female Genital Mutilation. We admire your perseverance, Terry!
Terry’s essay was chosen from 12 finalists, and as the judge, I can honestly say that the quality of writing in all the essays was impressive. The girls armed themselves with the writing tips I had given the year prior and launched into their life stories with fearless enthusiasm.
Terry, you should feel proud. Keep up your will to fulfill your dreams. This is only the beginning of your accomplishments.
Sara
I am happy for the opportunity these girls have to attend school and the way they took this privilege. We ran a home for boys sometime ago and they were all given the opportunity to go to school which they never took to heart. They only realized the importance of education now that they are adults and have families of their own.
Some of them would do anything just to turn back the time but their regrets are too late. Education is still possible but would entail more difficulties and sacrifices.
I just pray that these bitter experiences would not be repeated in the lives of the children we are now looking after.
Regrets always come at the last and many times the opportunity could not be recovered.