It is the desire of every parent and community for children to universally access quality education and pursue their dreams.
However, this is not always the case as often times, life’s hardships and challenges stand in the way.
Such is the story of a 15 years old grade Eight (8) pupil from Makuyu, Murang’a County, who despite living alone in a rented single room and facing overwhelming challenges while pursuing education, she has risen and excelled in the just-concluded Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association Championships.
It is 6am and while most pupils his age are still at home, 15-year-old Zacharia Kamande is already on the move, chasing a dream that seems almost impossible for someone his age.
A Grade 8 pupil at Ndeera Primary and Junior School in Makuyu, he lives alone in a small rented room, two kilometres from the school compound.
His house is modest, a single room with a tiny bed in the corner, serving as both the sleeping and study area.
Master Kamande clothes hang above the bed, and a tiny stove stands idle with empty sufurias beside it, clearly telling a story of days without meals.
“I started living alone while in grade four due to insurmountable challenges at home, and I often rely on my teachers for meals and settling the house rent, ”he says.
“The first thing I do when I wake up is fetch water from a nearby borehole, take a shower and hit the road running to school so as to get to school in time,” he says.
Needless to say, even on this day there is no breakfast waiting for him, and despite the water he fetches from the borehole being too salty, he gulps down a cup and departs for school.
However, these challenges have not dimmed his spirit as he remains unshaken.
Kamande’s perseverance recently earned him two medals at the East African Schools Sports Association championships in Kakamega, where he emerged first in Kenya and third in East Africa in shot put and discus.
Back in Makuyu, he would receive a heroic welcome with song and dance as the school and community celebrated his stellar achievement.
“I started participating in athletics while in grade four, and every year I moved from one level to the next: from the zonal, county, and regional levels, and this year, I finally managed to compete at the Federation of East Africa Schools’ Sports Association Championships,” he says, adjusting the medals on his neck.
Despite the challenges I face, I train consistently with the help of my teachers turned coaches,” he adds.
Kamande’s dedication to his sport is evident in the hours he spends training every day.
“I train every morning and even on weekends and during the holidays at the Makuyu Teachers Training college without fail,” he said.
Despite his personal struggles, Kamande remains calm, composed, and kind.
On the field, he commands attention with power and precision in the shot put event.
Kamande confidently heaves a 4-kilogram stone with ease, a testament to his strength and hours of dedicated practice.
In discus, he displays remarkable technique, a skill that has taken years to perfect.
“With support, I want to pursue this sport beyond junior school and even go international,” he says.
Kamande urges other young people to stay away from antisocial behaviours and keep themselves engaged in constructive activities such as sports and athletics.
His trainer, Peter Nderitu says, “I have been with Kamande since Grade Four (4), when I first spotted his talent and we started harnessing his skills and with disciplined training, today we see the results.”
He opines that if given proper support, Kamande can go far, as he is talented, disciplined, and very hardworking in both class and during extracurricular activities.
“If we could get sponsors and well-wishers, we should help him pursue his dream beyond junior school,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments his other Athletics Coach, Ronald Musyoka, observes that hours of intense training and discipline have produced the results.
“We train every morning, and for the last three years, he has progressed from local competitions to regional events. This time, he shone in East Africa. It takes discipline, focus, and strength,” he adds.
Musyoka urges parents, stakeholders, and sponsors to support young talents like him.
“Even the Ministry of Education should come on board and support this talent beyond Junior school, we are proud of him,” says his Head Teacher, Lydia Murigi.
“He has excelled both in class and in extracurricular activities,” said Murigi, noting that Kamande had brought recognition to the school at the East African regional levels.
“With support, he has the potential to excel even internationally,” noted the Head Teacher.
Meanwhile, Kamande’s story is not just about medals and trophies but a testament to resilience and discipline.
It also signifies the power of community support for a boy living alone, in a small humble room, two kilometres from his school, whose sky is the limit.
By Florence Kinyua and Bernard Munyao
