Greetings from Olturot!
Greetings! I trust you are well. We thank God for seeing us through this term. Here are some of the highlights that we would like to share with you.
Patrick Charbel Omondi
Head Teacher, Olturot
Hope Transforms: A Success Story
Tonny* is a nine-year-old second-grade student in our school. Together with his five siblings, he lives with their parents in a double-roomed manyatta (small traditional house made from sticks, poles, mud, boxes, and old clothes).
Before joining MOHI, Tonny’s life was full of hardships. At just six years old, he herded livestock instead of going to school. His parents, both struggling with alcoholism, were unable to provide the basic needs for their family, let alone education. As much as he wished to go to school, that was only a dream. His father had already decided that Tonny would remain in the grazing fields rather than attend school.
Things began to change in 2022 when a MOHI social worker started visiting Tonny’s family. Through consistent home visits, the social worker highlighted the value of education and children's rights to the parents. To the mother, this seemed impossible. She felt hopeless and stuck because she could not even afford the basics, such as books and uniforms.
However, the social worker came up with suggestions that became effective. He advised the mother to join a savings group, which she did, and also advised her on quitting alcohol. These small but steady steps helped her begin providing for her children.
Over time, both parents made the decision to quit alcohol and started attending a local church. The home, once marked by poverty, addiction and despair, began to experience true transformation. The mother, once far from faith, is now a believer and is actively involved in church. Her son’s transformation really motivated her to change.
Tonny has also shown remarkable progress. He is now healthy, active, and performs well in his academics. He actively participates in Sunday school, often taking leadership roles, and engages well with his peers. He is growing not only intellectually, but also socially and spiritually.
Tonny’s story is a testimony of hope and change, from being a child neglected in the grazing fields to becoming a thriving student with a promising future. Through the commitment of the MOHI social worker, teachers and the grace of God, Tonny’s life, and that of his whole family, has been completely transformed. We thank God for Tonny’s journey and the light he now brings to his home and community.
*Name changed for privacy
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