Meet David!

David was the 6th born into a family of 7. At an early age, he loved taking his family’s cows to graze, where he could sit and watch the green hills that covered the space around him. Growing up, David was always a happy kid – until he turned 12.

At the age of 12, David’s life changed when his family was forced to sell off their cows and land in order to pay for his older siblings’ college education, as well as dowries for his sisters.

David attended public schools for the majority of his education. The location of these schools required him to travel long distances everyday, but this did not stop him from pursuing his education. David loved school because it was the only place he could play soccer with his friends.

Upon completing his grade 9 education, David’s parents celebrated his great performance and he was given an opportunity to study animal life at a new school. However excited they were about this opportunity, David’s parents were not able to pay for the tuition. Therefore, David opted for public school again.

Just like many Kivu Hills Academy (KHA) students who have received tuition assistance, David was highlighted by fellow villagers who knew him as a very smart boy. After hearing an announcement from their sector about educational opportunities at KHA, the villagers worked together collecting money to buy school supplies for David. They then brought David to the sector executive and shared his story. Soon after, David joined KHA.

David is now studying masonry in grade 11 at KHA. He is among the best students in his class and has mastered the art of practicals. During school breaks, he works on construction sites as an intern, and this helps him boost his masonry skills. David has also become very conversant with English. While the language was new to him upon his arrival at KHA, he can now hold a conversation with everyone.

Grateful for his educational support, David hopes to be among the best civil engineers in the country someday.