At the end of the tunnel

Life At School

Down the dusty streets of wango market, I strolled slowly going home after having a long day in school.  My intestines were rumbling loudly. My lips were dried by the scorching sun. Hunger combined with fatigue took the best part of me. I was the only one who did not board the school bus because of financial break throughs and loopholes in the family.
Coming from a family of eight mom really struggled to make us like any other kids in the neighborhood.

Our mom was one of the special gift God had granted us and we ought to be grateful. She always kept working hard for us to survive not forgetting her countless efforts here, there for us to study. But that really motivated me to keep working hard, perhaps who knows I may change the whole story through my studies.

Maybe I Velma, will change the story of the family to its glory. Those times when I will be successful and will be working to meet the needs of 'mama' and my younger siblings. People come from nothing to something I believe when the heavens will be opened, my cup will be overflowing to its brims.

Back at school I knew nothing about coming from a well up family, all goals and aims were focused on changing the background of the family. "I will make it and mama must be proud of me" Whatever the thoughts that your mind conceives is what will surely be the outcome at the end.

"Goodmorning class" I had not seen Mr Martin arriving I just bumped into his voice. Back in mind I was far away from school leave alone class." Velma stand up..... Class let's congratulate this girl for producing the best mark" the whole class applaused.
Sweet joy circumnavigated my mind, beams of smiles all over my face. I still recalled my mama's words" education is the key...

It was not long when the bell rang we were to assemble at the parade ground.... Mr kimani our head teacher had a few remarks
to put across. They always kept reminding us our purpose in school, perhaps we were not to keep off the track. 

Back in the village many girls had dropped out of school because of one reason.... Early
pregnancies  and early marriages and boys vanished in the bush to engage in drug smuggling and criminal activities. No day passed without recording a crime, it was as daily but much brutal.

As we listened to him making his endless speeches at last he croaked his throat noisly.... the only statement that I heard since
I stepped my feets on that ground"we are about to release you to go home to collect fees... Anyone who has any balance should bring lately by tommorow unless you won't be able to sit for your final exams.... Most especially the candidates "...... that statement only arose my nerves... I was perplexed rooted to the ground like a man who had seen a dwelling once occupied by the late stone age period.... Did he really mean it or  it's just but a joke . Going back to class I picked a few books with shattered hopes not knowing when I will step in that compound called school or just smell the school environment.

Many of my friends kept murmuring on how they will be back soon. Some were happy for just going home and those whom their names missed on the list were crying.. We all come from different backgrounds coming to school has really taught me more..

Appreciate everyone's diversity, embrace each other but again dear God?? Am I the only poor child in this class.. Mother had just afforded to pay a quarter of the required fees when she was still working. But since now she never goes to work, her work came to a halt when they employed new workers since only those with papers were taken. She had no knowledge and that's how she lost her job.

Everything happens for a reason... I could console my poor mind but each time I recalled life at home only tears could explain it all. Being the elder in the family of eight perhaps I ought to be the role model. Little sisters and brothers looked upon me. But I won't let you down dear ones I will put in more efforts.   It reminded me of something :there are people who will never rise untill you rise. It's me here am holding the ladder of the family.