Defying the Odds: Mulhath Juma’s Journey to Education Against All Challenges

Mulhath Juma completed class eight at Tumaini Primary School and excelled. She was ecstatic at the thought of joining Form One, but unfortunately, when she approached her father with the good news, he said, “I have no money to waste on a girl’s education, you must agree to get married”. She engaged in menial domestic work like washing clothes and fetching water for her neighbour as a source of income. She says, “I bought books and household necessities. I was unable to pay my school fees, and as a result, I had to study without taking any exams. One of my teachers told my mom that there are people who assist the children in their education. That’s how I met Eric, who connected me to trace Kenya.”. Mulhath is a beneficiary of the Africa Born in My Heart Project, who has ensured she continues to pursue her education.