From the Streets of Kayole to a Life of Hope and Purpose
Brigit Makena: From the Streets of Kayole to a Life of Hope and Purpose
by FLC Team
In the heart of Kayole, Nairobi, lives a remarkable young girl named Brigit Makena. At just 13 years old, her life story is one of pain, resilience, and transformation.
Brigit lost her father at the tender age of three. This tragedy threw her family into deep hardship. Her widowed mother struggled to make ends meet, and Brigit’s older brother was forced to drop out of school. In desperation, he turned to the streets, where he was introduced to drugs and began a life of begging.
Eventually, Brigit joined him—begging on the streets during the day, returning home only at night to escape the harsh cold. They lived in a tiny, makeshift iron-sheet shack beside Fortune Learners Centre (FLC) in Kayole.
When a government crackdown on street children forced Brigit to stay home, she found herself drawn to the nearby school. Too shy and uncertain to approach directly, she would often stand by the school gate or peek through the windows, trying to catch bits of the lessons. Every time someone noticed her, she would run away.
It wasn’t until one Saturday, by what can only be described as a divine appointment, that I saw Brigit walking with a woman—her mother. That encounter opened the door to learn her story. Deeply moved, we extended a hand of hope, enrolling Brigit at Fortune Learners Centre through the Global Orphan Relief (GO!) Scholarship program.
This opportunity changed everything.
Brigit thrived in her lower grades, consistently achieving high performance. She has now advanced to Junior School—a milestone that once seemed like an impossible dream.
With the burden of school fees lifted, Brigit’s mother managed to save some money, which she has used to start a small grocery business. This income helps feed the family and meet their daily needs.
Here’s what Brigit herself had to say:
“Through the feeding program, I no longer worry about going hungry. I have regular meals, which gives me energy and helps me concentrate better in school. GO! has made it possible for me to attend school by paying my fees and giving me school supplies. This has allowed me to learn, grow, and dream about my future.
I have learned about God’s love and how to pray. The spiritual lessons and encouragement from GO! through my school have helped me feel closer to God and trust Him more in my everyday life.
Knowing that there are people who care for me and pray for me has given me hope and confidence. I feel less alone and more supported, even when life is difficult.
GO! has taught me important life skills, like how to help others, be thankful, and find joy in small things. I feel empowered to face challenges and to serve those around me. Because of GO!, my daily life is more stable, hopeful, and filled with purpose.”
Brigit's story is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. It’s about restoring dignity, offering opportunity, and planting seeds of hope in young lives that were once filled with despair.
Let us continue to stand with children like Brigit—because with love, support, and faith, transformation is not only possible; it is happening.
Please note that Pastoral care is provided to these students as our partners demonstrate the Gospel through your kind support.
We thank our local field partner, Fortune Learner’s Centre (FLC) in Kenya, for their efforts to meet the needs of orphans in their community. We have served with FLC since 2020. To continue this project in Kenya beyond the first term, $2,200 in monthly support will be required. As of this month, we have suspended this Mission Project due to a lack of resources. This impacts 220 orphan children.
Often, orphan children are cared for by extended families, and their education becomes the lowest priority for the household. We aid the children who are in jeopardy of not attending school by working with local learning institutions to identify children in the community who need aid to attend school.
Global Orphan Relief (GO!) has been serving orphaned children since 2005, and as a result of this effort, orphan children, widows, families, and entire communities are transformed through our Education Initiative. The care provided creates a ripple effect through the entire community as we demonstrate God’s love for His people.
You may send support or other correspondence to Global Orphan Relief, 16352 Prairie Farm Cir, Parker, CO 80134 or you may give also give electronically at Education Initiative for this specific effort to support widow-led households or you may give on this website at the upper righthand corner under ‘Donate’ by choosing Education under the Fund designation.
Movement of FAITH | Voice of HOPE | Act of LOVE
Global Orphan Relief is a Christian relief agency serving Orphans in need and a recognized U.S. public charity, tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3). All donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.