From Struggle to Hope: Waziri’s Journey

Waziri in his new school uniform

“Before Kijiji came into our lives, I worried every day: Will I go to school tomorrow? Will I eat? But now I wake up excited. My uniform is ready, I can do my homework, my stomach is not empty, and I feel that I have people who believe in me. I want to be a doctor, to help other children like me.”

— Waziri, 14 years old

Meet Waziri Juma Sharbaidi

Waziri is a bright and determined 14-year-old boy living in the heart of Kibera, Nairobi’s largest informal settlement. After losing his father to HIV/AIDS, Waziri was left in the care of his mother, Amina Chuma, who struggled without a job to provide for him and his siblings. Life hasn’t been easy for Waziri — not at home, and not at school.

For a long time, Waziri struggled to stay in school. His mother, Amina, couldn’t afford school fees, and he lacked essentials like a proper uniform, books, or even food. He often missed class, not because he didn’t want to learn, but because he was too hungry, too tired, or simply too embarrassed to show up in worn-out clothes. At home, meals were irregular, and the grief of losing his father weighed heavily on him — a burden no child should carry alone.

But everything began to change when Kijiji Cha Upendo (Village of Love) came into Waziri’s life. The beneficiaries call it “Kijiji.”

Kijiji offered Waziri and his family a lifeline — not just with one-time help, but long-term, compassionate support. Kijiji paid his school fees and Amina was able to provide him with a clean uniform, books and supplies through her Kijiji women’s savings and loan fund. In addition, one-on-one counseling has helped Waziri process his grief and rebuild his self-esteem.

Amina now proudly calls herself a businesswoman!At the same time, Kijiji has supported Amina with training and a micro- loan to start a small business. This new source of income brings more stability to their household— helping to fight hunger and improve their diet.

In addition, by learning to grow vegetables in containers, Amina’s family now has access every day to nutritious food.

Staff and community health volunteers visit regularly to check on Waziri’s progress, both academically and emotionally, ensuring he stays on track.

Today, Waziri is flourishing. He attends school regularly and is one of the most active students in his class. His dream of becoming a doctor now feels within reach — not just a wish, but a real possibility.

Waziri smiles more often, speaks more confidently, and no longer carries the same heavy burden he once did.