While thousands of KCSE candidates in Kenya take their exams, Terry Charity, a student at King David Junior and Secondary School in Juja, faces a unique challenge.
Diagnosed with a serious heart condition, Terry is unable to walk and requires the aid of an oxygen cylinder and tubes to breathe. This lifeline has been a constant companion for her since the national exams began last week. Despite her health struggles, Terry remains determined to complete her education.
Each day, Terry’s parents, Lucy Mumbi and Paul Njiru, begin their day early, meticulously preparing their daughter for her exams. They ensure she receives the necessary medical support, while also guiding her through the pressures of exams.
Due to her condition, Terry cannot walk and relies on a hired taxi to get to school from their rented home in Sewage Estate, near Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Terry’s father recalls that complications during her birth left her unable to walk, prompting her enrolment in a special school, where she excelled academically and finished eighth grade with outstanding results.
Her exceptional performance qualified her for a prestigious high school, but her condition limited her options, leading her to attend King David Junior and Secondary School in Juja.
Last December, Terry’s condition worsened, requiring extended hospitalization. As a result, she now needs continuous oxygen support, which has placed a significant financial strain on her family.
Since March, the cost of her oxygen therapy and other treatments has been a heavy burden on her parents, who are already stretched thin financially.
In response to the family’s plight, Susan Wambui, the Kiambu Huduma Centre coordinator, has rallied friends and community members to provide financial support.
She has launched a plea for well-wishers to contribute to Terry’s medical expenses, which will help ease the financial pressure on the family and allow Terry to continue her education without the added stress of mounting medical costs.
Terry’s journey is a powerful reminder of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. With continued support from the community, she can pursue her dreams and complete her education, proving that with hope and support, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome.
