Terry Charity, a KCSE candidate at King David Junior and Secondary School in Juja, faces a unique challenge.
Diagnosed with a serious heart condition in January 2023, Terry has been relying on oxygen support to get through her daily activities, including her national exams which began last week. Terry’s condition requires constant oxygen support, a reality that has altered her and her family’s life. Her parents, Lucy Mumbi and Paul Njiru, begin their day very early to prepare Terry for school. Terry’s father explains that “She was born just like any other kid but when she started walking, we realized she had difficulties. She has always been in and out of the hospital,”
The family’s daily routine includes hiring a taxi to transport Terry to school from their rented home in Sewage Estate as she is unable to walk and cannot use public transportation due to her oxygen equipment. The King David Junior and Secondary School community, led by her teacher Rebbeca Ayuma, has rallied around Terry by providing support in her academic journey. Rebbeca shares that they have set aside her private room where she studies before the exams begin to help her remember everything she has been taught.
However, the financial burden of maintaining Terry’s oxygen support is immense. The family has to refill the oxygen cylinder every three weeks at a cost of Sh 5,500. Additionally, the oxygen machine consumes a significant amount of electricity, leading to monthly power bills of between Sh 8,000 to Sh 10,000. Terry’s medication alone costs Sh 8,000 per month, and the taxi fare to and from school is Sh 6,000 per month. Terry’s mother, who sells groceries, struggles to make ends meet and cover these high costs.
Susan Wambui, a volunteer helping the family, has appealed to Kenyans of goodwill to assist in supporting Terry’s medical needs and education.
“We would appeal to Kenyans to support this child because she is a lover of education and progress, and that’s one thing that catches our eyes and that’s why we are here to support her,” she said in an interview.
For now, Terry continues to brave her exams with determination and the support of her family, school, and community. Those willing to support Terry and her family can do so via her mother’s number: 0727 792 560 (Lucy Mumbi Ndungu).
