Your gifts and Cheryl’s hard work have set her on the path to success

‘Your generosity let me go to school’

Cheryl is in her second year of study for a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.  Looking at her now it’s hard to believe that not so many years ago she was sitting in the dust by the roadside in Rusinga Island, Kenya, and envying children dressed in uniforms on their way to school. 

Her parents depended on casual work on other people’s farms to support their family but it was never enough to enable their eldest daughter to go to school. 

Just ten years ago, Cheryl’s live changed for good when she was admitted to Sargy School, a primary supported by Blythswood.   “My life changed that day,” Cheryl says.  “The school provided me with good food, and with a uniform and even with shoes. 

“I vowed to work hard, to strive for excellence as the school motto says.  The school organised debates, music festivals, academic competitions, games and sports and I learned that we all had equal opportunities but had to work hard to win. 

“In 2016 I sat for my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education and emerged the second best student from the school.  Sargy offered me a four year scholarship through secondary education and is helping to support me now at university.”

Now just 20 years old, Cheryl admits that university life is challenging.  Her parents are unable to support her and sometimes it is hard for her to get by as she concentrates on her academic work.  She is as determined as ever and has her sights set on postgraduate study in clinical biochemistry. 

“My sincere thanks goes to the sponsors and to Sargy School,” she says.  “Were it not for their generosity I would never have got this far.”