EMMA: S1020-KIA

Emma has been promoted to the first grade this year, and this milestone means so much after the interruptions she has faced in her education. She shared proudly that math is her favorite subject, and her teacher says she is a very good student who is doing well in class. After the severe challenges her family endured following her father’s snakebite and the financial struggles that followed, Emma continues to live with her aunt while holding tightly to her dream of learning. Despite past gaps in schooling, she is determined to move forward and make the most of every opportunity she receives. Emma still hopes to become a teacher one day, inspired by her love for learning and her desire to help other children succeed. Her perseverance and positive attitude show just how bright her future can be. Sponsored by: Scott Heise

Emma is an 11-year-old girl in Kindergarten 1, a grade that reflects the difficulty she’s had in keeping up with her education. Her life has been marked by tragedy and resilience. She was living with her father when he was tragically bitten by a black mamba snake. Miraculously, he survived the bite, but the effects were severe. Unable to continue working as a farmer due to the physical toll of the venom, Emma’s family faced even more financial hardship. In hopes of finding a better opportunity, Emma was sent to live with her aunt, who also has five children of her own and struggles to provide for her large family. Though her aunt loves her dearly, she simply cannot afford to send Emma to school, and as a result, Emma’s education has been sporadic. Despite these obstacles, Emma has remained determined to continue her studies. She dreams of becoming a teacher when she grows up, a profession that reflects her love for learning and her desire to help others, especially children like herself. Sponsored by:  Emma’s journey has been one of hardship, but her spirit is unwavering. She holds onto the hope that with hard work and perseverance, she will one day achieve her dream of becoming a teacher and providing a better life for herself and her family. Sponsored by: Scott Heise