“My name is Rivald Owala. I come from a family of five. My dad died when we were young and left us under the care of our mother. A week after my dad’s passing, the wall of our house collapsed on us. This happened after heavy rains that had been continuously weakening and destroying our home. That night, we almost lost our lives when the wall collapsed, but luckily it fell outwardly. We believe that God saved us because of our faith in Him.
We had to seek shelter at my grandfather’s house for a month while my mother tried to build a new home for us. It was not easy because my mother was unemployed and had to pick tea leaves for our neighbors to earn some small amount of money, which was never enough for our family’s needs. It wasn’t even sufficient to buy food. I witnessed the struggles my mother went through, and we had no one to assist us.
At that time, education was out of the question. We couldn’t afford it because if we had nothing to eat, how could we find the money to pay for school fees, books, and uniforms? I was attending a public primary school in Chebara, but I was rarely in school. I was always sent home to buy books and pay fees, which were beyond our means.
My life changed one day when my mother met Aggrey Maitsi, whom I later learned worked for CRF (Children’s Relief Fund). After hearing my mother’s story, he promised to sponsor me. I waited for two years before I finally got a sponsor. The long wait was worthwhile because when I received books, uniforms, and food to take home, I couldn’t believe it. I was incredibly happy. I remember arriving at school at 6 a.m. because I didn’t want to waste this God-given chance. I left home before my mother woke up, and she found me standing at the school compound, eager to be shown which class I would join.
Every time I see CRF assisting me, I feel like I have a mom and dad, because without them, I wouldn’t be here today. I’m working hard in school because I don’t want to bring shame to CRF, especially after they have given me this opportunity and sacrificed to ensure I can stay in school.
After I pass my grade 8 exams early next year, I would love to join Suzy Peacock High School and eventually train as a neurosurgeon when I go to university. When I get employed, I will make it a priority to assist other kids like me as a way of giving thanks to God and CRF for their help. Every day, I pray for CRF to continue helping children like me because without them, some of us would never have stepped foot inside a classroom. CRF, may you be abundantly blessed.”
