Education Against the Odds: How Joey’s Kids Supports Vulnerable Children in Kenya.

“Sometimes all a child needs is someone to believe in them.”

At Joey’s Kids, education is personal. It’s not an abstract idea or a long-term statistic, it’s a child sitting at a small table in the evening, trying to read despite the odds stacked against them. It’s the belief that where a child starts in life should never determine how far they can go.

Education matters to us because we have seen what it does. It restores dignity. It builds confidence. And, most importantly, it gives children the power to imagine a future beyond their current circumstances.

Why We Chose Nasewa

Nasewa is more than a dot on a map  it is home. It is a close-knit rural community in Western Kenya where families support one another, even as they navigate daily economic hardship. Most households rely on small-scale farming or casual labour, incomes are unpredictable, and access to basic necessities can be limited.

Here, education is valued deeply, yet accessing it is not always easy. School fees, uniforms, books, and even a safe, quiet place to study can feel out of reach. Many bright students risk falling behind not because they lack ability, but because they lack support. This is where Joey’s Kids stepped in.

Ian Okoth: Perseverance in the Smallest Spaces

At just 16 years old, Ian is currently in Form Two, equivalent to Grade 10 in the United States, and already showing remarkable academic promise. He comes from a family of peasant farmers and is one of four siblings. Despite the economic challenges his family faces, Ian remains focused, disciplined, and deeply committed to his education.

Ian’s story mirrors the resilience we see so often in their village. During our visit, we found that the small kitchen in his family’s compound doubles as the sleeping area for him and his brother. When evening comes, Ian moves to his father’s house, where a plastic table becomes his study desk. Nearby, a simple structure known locally as a simba is under construction a reminder of both the family’s effort to improve their situation and the long road ahead. Yet even now, Ian continues to show up for his education, doing the best he can with what he has.

Academically, Ian is thriving. He is currently a top-performing student with an impressive aggregate grade of B+, a testament to both his intelligence and work ethic. He dreams of becoming a doctor or an engineer, driven by a desire to not only change his own life, but also give back to his family and community.

Vivian Wandera: Learning Where She Sleeps

At 14 years old, Vivian lives in Nasewa village and is currently in Grade 7, where she is already excelling academically. She is a high-performing student, achieving a Grade A (exceeding expectations) a clear sign of both her ability and her commitment to learning.Vivian comes from a large family of seven children, raised by parents who are peasant farmers. Like many households in Nasewa, resources are stretched thin, and each day requires careful balancing of basic needs. Yet even within these limitations, Lilian has remained focused on her education, approaching her studies with discipline and purpose.

When we visited Vivian’s home, the simplicity of her living conditions was immediately evident. The kitchen serves multiple purposes it is where meals are prepared, where she sleeps at night, and where a small table becomes her reading desk. It is in this shared space, often at the end of long days, that Lilian studies, determined to keep pace with her classmates and continue excelling.

Despite the challenges she faces, Vivian’s academic performance speaks volumes. Her results are not just marks on a report card; they are a reflection of resilience, curiosity, and the belief that education can open doors to a brighter future.

Our Promise: Walking the Full Journey

At Joey’s Kids, we believe support should be steady, not temporary. That’s why our commitment to Vivian and Ian goes beyond one year or one school term. We will support them throughout their entire high school education covering school fees and addressing basic needs that make learning possible, from uniforms and supplies to everyday essentials. Education does not happen in isolation. A child who is hungry, worried, or unsupported cannot thrive. We see the whole child and we respond with care, consistency, and compassion.

Looking Ahead with Hope

Vivian and Ian are just two children, but their stories represent many more. They are bright, capable, and full of potential and with the right support, their futures look very different. Joey’s Kids exists to stand in that gap: between ability and opportunity, between hardship and hope. With the continued support of our community of donors and partners, we can ensure that children in places like Nasewa are not defined by what they lack, but by what they can become.

Together, we are choosing to believe in them and that belief can change everything.