Winnie

Winnie and her older sister Shalyne came to the team's attention at a women's conference in December, through a story of courage and determination.

Before being sponsored, the girls faced immense hardship. Their father struggled with alcoholism and was abusive toward their mother. When they were sent home from school because their mother could not afford the fees, they had to drop out. To help the family, they joined their mother on the streets, selling boiled eggs and tea. It was a difficult and dangerous time, with the constant risk of abuse, early marriage, and exploitation.

The sisters stayed hopeful. With their mother's encouragement, they were determined to get back to school and build a better life for the family. They are now safe and back in the classroom, Winnie in Form 2 and Shalyne in Form 3. Their dream is to get a good education so they can lift their family out of poverty and one day help other vulnerable girls in their community.

School has been paid for since 2025 through the Baskets and Beads Kenya student sponsorship program: fees, uniform, supplies, and mentorship from the Kenya team.