Orphaned Student Shines in KCSE, Seeks Support to Pursue Medical Dream

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Bahja Ahmed Shale, an 18-year-old orphan from North Eastern Kenya, has demonstrated extraordinary resilience by excelling in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, emerging as one of the top performers in the region with an impressive A- grade.

Despite enduring immense personal tragedy, Bahja’s determination and focus have paved the way for her remarkable success.

Her father, a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer, tragically lost his life in an Al-Shabaab attack in Somalia during the Linda Nchi operation.

As if that loss was not enough, Bahja’s mother succumbed to Covid-19 in 2021 while Bahja was preparing for her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams.

“Losing my parents was devastating. My mother passed away during my KCPE rehearsals, and my father had already died in the line of duty. These tragedies haunted me throughout my education, but by God’s grace, I am here today, celebrating this achievement,” Bahja shared tearfully.

A Community Celebrates

Bahja, a student at Saka Girls Secondary School in Garissa County, attributed her success to the unwavering support of her family, teachers, and mentors.

Living and studying in the remote Balambala Sub-County came with its own challenges, but the encouragement from her siblings and extended family became her source of strength.

On Friday, celebrations broke out at her home as family, friends, and neighbors gathered to honor her incredible accomplishment.

Her elder sister, Ummulkheir Ahmed, expressed immense pride, recalling the moment they received Bahja’s results.

“We learned of her results yesterday evening while she was away. Today, as she returned home, we organized a celebration with relatives and neighbors to commend her hard work and success,” Ummulkheir said.

Hussein Muktar, Bahja’s maternal uncle, echoed the sentiments of joy and pride, urging the community, local leaders, well-wishers, and government agencies to step forward and support Bahja in achieving her dream of becoming a medical doctor.

“We are appealing to anyone who can to provide a scholarship for Bahja. She has worked so hard despite her circumstances and deserves a chance to pursue her dreams,” Hussein remarked.

A Call for Support

Bahja has set her sights on studying medicine, a career she hopes will allow her to give back to her community by improving healthcare in the region.

However, the financial hurdles remain significant for the young scholar, whose family lacks the means to fund her university education.

Abdi Salat, a retired KDF officer and former colleague of Bahja’s father, also joined the call for support.

He highlighted the sacrifices made by Bahja’s family and emphasized the importance of ensuring her success.

“Her father gave his life serving this country. It is only right that we, as a community, come together to help Bahja achieve her dreams,” Salat stated.

A Rare Achievement

Bahja’s academic success is particularly significant in the context of the challenges faced by girls in her region.

North Eastern Kenya has long grappled with disparities in education, with fewer girls sitting for the KCSE exams compared to boys.

In Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties, the gender gap in education remains a pressing issue.

Bahja’s triumph not only serves as a beacon of hope for young girls in the region but also underscores the importance of investing in education, particularly for marginalized communities.

As Bahja’s story continues to inspire many, she now stands at a crossroads, relying on the goodwill of her community and beyond to turn her dream of becoming a doctor into reality.

For those willing to support her, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a life already marked by resilience and determination.


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