When I was young I lived in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, one of the poorest communities in Nairobi. While many children my age were in class, I spent my days walking the roads by my home. One day, I was greeted by Shannon May (the person who started Bridge International Academies). She wanted to know why I was not in school. I told her that my parents could not afford the fees. 

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That chance meeting changed my life. Bridge gave me a full scholarship, books and uniform so my parents did not have to worry about paying for my education. The rest was all up to me to study. I attended Bridge from class two to class eight. I went to school from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the week, and attended half days on Saturdays.  It was hard work. Some of my siblings were unable to complete their studies. I realized that I had an opportunity that I would not let go. At Bridge, teachers gave me their individual attention. They were like second parents to me and they helped me to perform. 

I loved the lessons, everything was planned. There was no time that a teacher was confused on what to do, and everything flowed smoothly. 

Mathematics has always been my favourite subject. I love Maths because it's about solving problems, and it reflects real life. When there are problems, I have to solve them. That is the way to be successful. My Maths teacher at Bridge was a dedicated teacher. He made sure that we didn’t just get the equations right, but that we understood the whole thing. 

I sat my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education two years ago and performed very well hence earned a position to at Kapkenda Girls High School which is a designated national high school. In Kenya, only pupils with top marks go to the national high schools. I am performing well in high school because my foundation is solid. My Bridge teachers taught me how to manage my time, so I am always prepared for lessons. I am also quite fluent in English because it was taught well. English is very important because all subjects are taught in English. 

After high school, I plan to attend university. I want to pursue medicine because I know a lot of people are dying because they don’t get the treatment they need. My sister died. I want to become a doctor and start hospitals like Shannon started Bridge schools. Even if patients do not have money, they will get the treatment they need and everything will be okay. 

In Africa, the girl child is not given much consideration. But I know I will become a great woman who helps my country, and helps the girls here and in the rest of the world. I want other children like me to have the same chance even if they don’t have the money. More pupils need teachers like I had to inspire them. I was a girl who had no future, no dreams. Now I can say I am going to be somebody who’s going to change the world.

Naomi Mutuku Williams is an alumni of Bridge International Academies in Kenya.