At the age of 12 it seemed like life for Kevin Wambua couldn’t get much worse. Growing up in Kibera, Kenya’s largest slum, Kevin lived in a one room house with his mother, grandmother and two siblings. His grandmother was frequently jailed for illegally selling chang’aaa, a home brewed grain alcohol, in a vain attempt to raise money for rent. Finally, in 2012, the family was evicted. Kevin’s grandmother headed upcountry, followed a year later by his mother and younger sister, never to return.

Most young boys or girls would be shattered by the experience - parentless and homeless. But Kevin is not like most. He possesses remarkable inner strength and determination. And he had the Little Rock School as a safe harbor and source of inspiration. Kevin was an eager student and excellent athlete. He studied hard and performed well, earning an EPN scholarship to a top boarding school in Kenya.

Kevin attended Mbooni Boys High School with 1500 students. You might have expected Kevin to struggle, leaving Kibera for the first time and surrounded by students who could not comprehend where he came from. But Kevin thrived academically and athletically. He excelled in math and science, representing Mbooni in various inter school competitions. He played on Mbooni’s championship soccer team. By the end of his junior year Kevin had so impressed his teachers that they selected him as president of the entire school. And by the end of his senior year Kevin won the award as the most outstanding student in academics, athletics, and leadership.

Kevin was accepted to Moi University’s School of Aerospace Sciences om 2019, studying Civil Aviation Management. Thanks to the EPN-funded entrance fees, he enrolled this fall. After earning his degree, Kevin plans to pursue his dream of becoming a commercial pilot.

Eliminate Poverty NOW! empowers Africa’s extreme poor to lift themselves out of poverty. For EPN donor there is no better feeling than knowing you profoundly and permanently changed someone’s life. Kevin is a prime example: from parentless and homeless to the most outstanding student in his high school of 1500 and headed to a career in aviation.

And how many lives will Kevin change? His mom, grandmother and siblings? His future wife and children? And in Kevin’s own words: “My passion is mentoring children who come from difficult backgrounds. Being a pilot, I’ll be a role model to others. Plus being a pilot pays well so I will be able to support as many children as possible.” Changing Kevin’s life is a gift that keeps on giving.

Over the years, Eliminate Poverty NOW! has helped change thousands of lives. Our impact is limited only by the dollars you provide so please give as generously as you can. Together we can break the cycle of poverty for more deserving young women and men - now and for generations to come.