A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidate from King David Junior and Secondary School in Juja, Kiambu County, is taking her exams under extraordinary circumstances. Terry Charity, a determined student battling severe heart and spinal conditions, has been sitting for her exams while connected to an oxygen cylinder.
Despite her health challenges, Terry has shown remarkable resilience. According to her parents, Lucy Mumbi and Paul Njiru, Terry has needed oxygen support throughout the national exams, taking her tests in a separate room beside the large oxygen cylinder.
“Terry’s journey has been tough since childhood. Her health issues began when she struggled to walk as a young child. We were advised to enroll her in special education, and she has persevered all the way to Form Four,” said Njiru. He added that Terry’s health deteriorated last December, necessitating continuous oxygen support.
The family has faced significant financial strain due to Terry’s medical needs, relying heavily on support from well-wishers. “We have to refill the oxygen cylinder frequently, which is expensive. It also consumes a lot of electricity, adding to our costs. We appeal for help to manage these ongoing expenses,” Njiru shared.
The parents have had to adapt their daily routine, waking up early to prepare Terry for school and hiring a taxi to transport her to and from the exam center, a few kilometers away from their rented home in Sewage estate near Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Kiambu Huduma Center coordinator, Susan Wanjiru, has taken it upon herself to rally support for the family after learning of their situation during a Huduma Mashinani outreach event. She called on well-wishers to step in and assist with Terry’s medical expenses.
“Terry is not only a bright student but also a passionate learner who dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon. The school expects her to perform exceptionally well despite her challenges. We hope more Kenyans will come forward to support her,” Wanjiru said.
The family holds out hope that Terry will excel in her exams, paving the way for her to pursue her dream career, despite the difficulties she faces daily. They remain optimistic that with community support, Terry can continue her education and achieve her ambitions.
