In a story of resilience and inspiration, Selina Lesuruapus, a mother of three from the pastoralist community of Samburu County, has proven that education has no age limit.
Sitting for the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams alongside her daughter, Faith Loriakwe, Selina achieved a remarkable grade of B-, while Faith earned a respectable C+. Their combined success has brought pride to their little-known village of Baraka, located on the outskirts of Maralal Town.
Selina’s journey to academic success was far from ordinary. As a victim of early marriage, she missed out on her early education. However, her unrelenting thirst for knowledge compelled her to return to school, this time at an adult education center. With the full support of her husband and family, Selina juggled the demanding roles of parenting, running a household, and studying.
“Niko na watoto watatu na nilipata grade ya B-. Nilisomea shule ya adults, na kutokana na changamoto mingi ambayo nimepitia hakika nimefurahia hii results. Nashukuru pia familia yangu ambayo wamenikubalia nisome,” she said.
Selina’s community, largely composed of pastoralists, has long been hindered by retrogressive cultural practices that deny girls equal access to education. Her decision to return to school and excel in her exams is a significant statement, challenging stereotypes and offering hope to others in similar circumstances.
Faith, too, shared her excitement about their joint achievement. “Nimepata grade ya C+. Kwa mimi nasikia vizuri sana juu tumepita na mathe. Nitakapoenda university, nataka kuwa mwalimu pia nikuje nijumuike na jamii na pia kuwasaidia katika kuwafunza,” she said.
Both Selina and Faith now dream of becoming teachers to inspire and transform their community. Selina believes that education is a powerful tool to break cycles of poverty and ignorance, especially in marginalized areas.
“Ningependa nikienda university nikaweze kusoma, na mimi ningependa kuwa mwalimu so that I will give back to the community, maana huku kwetu watu wengi hawajasoma,” Selina said.
Their success is a result of teamwork and unwavering determination. Despite the challenges of balancing schoolwork and family responsibilities, Selina credits her daughter for being a source of encouragement.
“Siri ni kwamba yeye alikuwa ako shule ya bweni. Akikuja ananisaidia. Tunapitia pamoja wakati wa likizo. Ninapitia papers zake, ananionyesha zile vitu wanasoma kwa shule yao, na hivyo ndiyo tumekuwa tukisaidiana,” she explained.
Selina’s principal, Peter Long’onyo, commended her determination and foresight. “I was actually expecting these results for her because she came knowing exactly what she wanted. That’s why, actually, you realize she made it, and I am happy she made it,” he said.
Their achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a community milestone. Selina’s resilience has ignited hope among other women in Samburu County, proving that it is never too late to chase one’s dreams. By pursuing higher education, both mother and daughter are poised to contribute significantly to transforming their community through education.
Selina and Faith’s story is a testament to the power of determination, the importance of family support, and the transformative impact of education. In their success, the village of Baraka has found a beacon of hope, signaling a brighter future for generations to come.
