By PERPETUA Makokha, Wezesha Class of 2025

“When I think about life before EFAC, the phrase that comes to mind is “silent chaos.”

I am the sixth-born in a family of eight children. My father worked as a casual labourer, and in May of my final year of primary school, he lost his job. Overnight, everything changed. Our family was forced to leave Baringo in the Rift Valley and relocate to Nasira, a small village in western Kenya.

I loved my village, but I often kept it a secret from my friends. It was so remote that it didn't even appear on Google Maps. To get a mobile phone signal, you had to climb a tree.

Starting over in a new school was difficult. I felt out of place, but giving up was never an option. My father always taught us that education was our path forward, so I worked hard and performed well in my final examinations.

But when the time came to join high school, reality hit hard.

There was no money to pay school fees. There was no plan. There was no clear path ahead. As weeks passed, my classmates reported to their schools while I remained at home. Neighbours kept asking when I would be joining high school, but nobody had an answer.

Then one day, everything changed.

The phone rang.

On the other end was EFAC.

Through its partnership with Dandelion Africa, a community-based organization in Baringo, EFAC identifies and supports students in some of the most remote communities. Without that partnership, my story might have ended before it truly began. My name could easily have slipped through the cracks.

Instead, because two organizations chose to work together, a girl from a village that wasn't even on the map received a chance to continue her education and pursue her dreams.

That is the power of collaboration. It ensures that no one is left behind.

When I joined Vanessa Grant Girls' School, I began to understand what it truly meant to be an EFAC scholar.

*Perpetua, sitting first from right with fellow EFAC scholars at Vanessa Grant Girl's School in 2019*

The Power in Giving Back

The mentorship opportunities provided through EFAC workshops and programs transformed my confidence and outlook on life. At a time when I was still finding my footing, mentors believed in me and encouraged me to believe in myself.

As I grew, I was given the opportunity to mentor younger scholars. Through that experience, I discovered that one of life's greatest joys is helping others rise.

I continue to draw inspiration from Wendo Aszed, the founder of Dandelion Africa. I have watched her grow the organization from a small office, the very place where I was first interviewed, into a thriving force for change that empowers young people, especially girls, to find their voices, pursue opportunities, and give back to their communities.

Today, I am set to graduate with a Bachelors of Arts in English and Literature at Kenyatta University. Through internships at Storymoja Africa, 4G Capital, and Mentors Without Borders, I continue building the skills and experiences that will help me create impact in the future.

*Perpetua first left in picture, mentoring younger scholars at the 2026 Bridge-to-College workshop*

Every step of my journey carries the lessons that EFAC and Dandelion Africa planted in me: resilience, gratitude, and purpose.

To every donor, mentor, partner, and supporter of EFAC: thank you. You are doing far more than funding education. You are transforming families, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities that change lives for generations.

My story is proof that when people come together, dreams become possible.

It truly takes a village.