“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Gal 6,9)

My name is Kenya Abraham Machuei, from Rumbek Central County, Lakes State. I grew up in a small village called Tit-ci-rot-jot, five kilometres away from Rumbek town. I was raised by my mother, a widow with five children.

Before she was hired by the Loreto family in 2013 to serve as a cook, she worked as a farmer and a local vintner. She is an extraordinary woman who balanced the roles of both mother and father so gracefully that we never felt the absence of a paternal figure.

She first enrolled my elder brother in school in 2006, followed by my younger brother and me in 2010. It was a difficult journey for my elder brother, and unfortunately, he had to drop out in 2021 while in Senior 3.

I began my education in 2010 at Loreto Primary School under the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP). At that time, we studied alongside the school cooks under a neem tree. As our numbers grew, we moved from the shade of the trees to a dormitory under construction, and eventually to our permanent site.

Reflecting on my years at Loreto, my greatest inspiration came from being surrounded by educated individuals. Their advice and their command of the English language strengthened my resolve during difficult times. I grew determined to become like them. Despite the challenges—such as seeing friends being taken to cattle camps and others leaving school for early marriage—I refused to give up.

“My greatest inspiration came from being surrounded by educated individuals.”

My dream of a proper education became a reality when construction of our classroom began in 2014, and I was honoured to be elected head boy that year. It was a significant challenge, but I quickly realised that leadership, regardless of age, is an essential part of learning. Over the following months, I faced numerous challenges, particularly in public speaking and communication. I vividly recall the daunting experience of speaking in front of a large gathering of girls at the secondary site. However, the self-confidence instilled in me enabled me to find my voice.

The Construction of our classroom was completed early in 2015, allowing us to transition from learning under the trees to desks inside a building. Initially, this adjustment was difficult, but we soon adapted, making learning immensely enjoyable. As pioneers, we faced adversity—our numbers dropped from over 40 to only 14. Despite this, I persevered, representing our school in the state examinations and achieving the 10th position.

I joined La Salle Boys Secondary School, Rumbek in 2019. Invited from the Loreto family, the brothers had just started the school. Our journey again began in the bushes of Aber, four kilometres away from Loreto Girls Secondary School, Rumbek. It wasn’t easy for us since the school was just starting, but Thanks to the Loreto family, they accommodated us for 1 and a half years while the construction of classrooms and dormitories continued at the site.

In 2021, we finally could move into the boarding school as the pioneers. We eventually sat for our final Exams in 2022; we were 22 in number, and we all came out with good results.

Throughout my four years of secondary education, I was fortunate to face no financial barriers, thanks to my destiny helper, Eng. Robert Andama. He was a father figure for me, strengthening me through mentorship and immediate action when needed. Robert pledged that if I worked hard, he would support me until university—a promise he has fulfilled. Furthermore, in 2015, before we even knew each other, he had already ignited in me the dream of becoming an engineer like him. Consequently, I am now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Juba.

I am thrilled to have started my professional journey, laying the foundation for the kindergarten and the Secondary School for the new Loreto Branch in Aweil as an intern engineer under supervision. I started my own educational journey under the trees in Loreto. Now I build classrooms for the next generation of Loreto pupils and students. My dream is to create a place where everyone could flourish.

“We build bridges to connect our past with a better future.”

I am determined to use my skills to develop the infrastructure of South Sudan, proving that with faith and persistence, no distance is too far to travel. I dedicate this journey and my future success to my mother. You were the cook who fed a school so that you could feed our dreams. You played the part of both parents with such strength that I never felt I was lacking. Thank you!

Running Loreto Primary School would simply not be possible without your financial support. We are very grateful to all those who believe in our mission and support our work. If you would like to help us give children a better future, please visit our online donation page.