Date: 29th January 2024
At Etsirbella, we have always believed in the power of education to transform lives. Today, we are excited to share a heartwarming story that demonstrates this belief in action. Habiba Mahmud, 5 years old, and Fatuma Yasin, 7 years old, are two beautiful souls whose dreams of attending school came true through the efforts of the Etsirbella Scholarship Program.
For years, both girls stayed at home—Habiba for 5 years and Fatuma for 7—unable to access the education they so longed for. Like many children in underprivileged communities, they dreamed of one day joining their peers in school. In 2024, we were thrilled to step into their lives and make that dream a reality.
In January 2024, Habiba and Fatuma officially began their schooling journey at Joysprings Educational Centre. Their first day of school was a moment of pure joy for them and for us at Etsirbella. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, filled with hope and opportunity.
But our commitment went beyond just enrolling them in school. As they progressed through the academic year, we supported them holistically in several key ways:
- Mentorship Sessions: We conducted regular mentorship sessions with both girls throughout the year, offering guidance, encouragement, and motivation as they navigated their new learning environment. These sessions helped build their confidence and nurture their talents.
- Home Visits: We worked closely with Habiba and Fatuma’s families through home visits. By understanding their needs and challenges outside of school, we were able to provide the necessary support to ensure the girls thrived academically and socially.
- Monthly Parent Meetings: Every month, we held meetings with their parents to monitor their progress and provide resources and guidance. This ensured that both the school and the home environment supported the girls’ academic development.
In addition to supporting Habiba and Fatuma, we are proud to report that we successfully enrolled 39 additional special cases into the Etsirbella Scholarship Program 2024. These children, who had faced various barriers to education, were able to begin their own academic journeys, and we were honored to walk that path with them.
The journey with these children has been one of the most rewarding experiences for our team. Watching them grow, learn, and gain confidence has reaffirmed our commitment to providing quality education to underprivileged children.
