“My father worked with his hands so that I could work with my mind”
Thanks to the unwavering support of his dedicated father and Chalice sponsor, Issac was able to use his unwavering focus and technical talent to achieve his dream of becoming a Software Engineer. Isaac’s path is a powerful example of how, with the right support, a child can transcend the most difficult beginnings to become a leader in this digital age.
Isaac’s story began with a profound silence; he lost his mother when he was only two years old. Raised by his father alongside three siblings, Isaac’s early years were shaped by the steady, hardworking presence of a father who refused to let grief or poverty define his children’s future. His father was a casual labourer, and took on any available manual work, from construction to garden works, to provide for the family of five. However, in a community where basic needs often outpaced a laborer’s daily wage, the dream of a high-tech education often felt like a luxury the family couldn’t afford.
The course of his life changed in 2011 when he was chosen by a sponsor. Joining sponsorship offered a circle of support to the family that brought some stability to the whole family. Having his school fees, nutrition and basic needs taken care of by the program, Isaac could invest his full energy in his education.
Isaac studied hard and excelled through all levels of his schooling, making the leap from a rural village to Chuka University to pursue Software Engineering. The leap felt so steep, requiring tools that are often out of reach for vulnerable students which brought greater financial demands. Through the unwavering support of his sponsor and Chalice, Isaac was empowered to succeed. Sponsorship, grant and special money from his sponsor helped Isaac to pay his university fees, hostel rent and living expenses. The support also helped Isaac purchase a laptop, the fundamental tool for any software engineer, which would have otherwise been an impossible expense for a labourer’s family.
The letters Isaac recieved from his sponsor acted as a psychological anchor, encouraging him through the most challenging terms and semesters of his education.
Today, we celebrate Isaac’s graduation. He stands as a professional Software Engineer, ready to build digital solutions that will transform his country and the world at large. He considers himself deeply indebted to the generosity of his sponsor and Chalice, praying for blessings and long healthy lives.
“My father worked with his hands so that I could work with my mind,” Isaac reflects. “Because of Chalice, I now have the skills to lift my family out of poverty and give back to other children who are just like I was” Isaac said in a tearful moment.
Isaac, his family, and his whole community community extend their heartfelt gratitude to his sponsor, and all donors who contributed to his success.
Isaac is eager to give back to the Baraka site, perhaps by mentoring young students in the same Family Circles that once supported his father. He remains deeply grateful to Chalice Canada for seeing the potential in a boy who once had only a dream and a determined father.
Happy Father’s Day to everyone out there who work hard and help raise strong, compassionate and confident children. May your weekend be filled with blessings.