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Deborah Akai

Monthly Cost: $51.50

Overview

Female
Turkana, Kenya
Grade 6
Age 17
Aug. 8, 2008
Unknown caretaker

Biography

Debora was born into a humble family in a small village called Nadapal nestled between rolling hills. Her father, a hardworking man, did his best to provide for Deborah, her five siblings, and their loving mother. However, life took a harsh turn when an economic downturn struck their community. Faced with mounting debts and diminishing opportunities, Deborah's father made a difficult decision. One moonless night, he quietly packed a small bag and left his family. His absence left a gaping hole in their hearts and their household income. Deborah's mother, a gentle and resilient woman, took on odd jobs in their village to make ends meet. Despite her tireless efforts, the earnings were meager, and food became scarce.Deborah stepped into a role beyond her years, helping her mother care for her siblings, ensuring they ate what little they had, and finding solace in the simplicity of their shared struggle, but the reality of their daily struggles weighed heavily on their shoulders.Her mother does her best but without a good education or a steady source of income, it has become quite difficult for her to keep food on the table as well as provide for her children’s education. Deborah is currently in grade 6 at a local primary school where she is an average student. She believes with a hand to hold, she can overcome and become a woman of God in her family and community.   

About Deborah's Home: Turkana

Turkana County is a part of Northwestern Kenya located in the former Rift Valley province. Turkana is majorly arid and semi-arid, and the climate is very hot and dry making farming and supply of food a constant  challenge. This county is also marginalized due to poor infrastructure.  The main diet in these areas is not predictable since they  rely majorly on relief food. The main language spoken is Turkana and the primary religion is traditional African beliefs. In recent years, both Christianity and Islam have also been competing for the hearts of the people here.   *Because the people of Turkana county largely depend on livestock and relief food, they are still semi-nomadic and though the schools help create stability, there are still times when a family moves and we are unable to trace them.