My name’s Vivian Anyango. I’m 20 years old, a Korando Educational Centre alumni and currently a sophomore at Kenyatta University, majoring in communication and media studies. My journey at Korando started all the way back in 2008 in nursery class and with Better Me specifically, it started in 2015 when I was in fifth grade. My whole education was a blessing and life-changing. My gratitude extends to the people of Ripple Effect Project, who have been supporting Korando since 2006, thus enabling me to finish my primary education. Ripple, Korando and Better Me have completely turned things around for me, for the better.
When it comes to academics, I found courage and learned a bunch of skills from the Better Me volunteers who came. Seeing how much they valued education inspired me to step up my game in school. It felt like a whole new chapter in my life, like a drooping plant being revived with water. It was my chance to really grow.
I finished eighth grade with flying colors and moved on to high school, curtesty of the Better Me Bursary Program – and thanks to Mama Dolfine for sponsoring my high school shopping. Starting out was tough, leaving home and everything familiar behind. But with folks like Samambo guiding us, I knew I wasn’t alone. High school was a whole new world – new faces, new activities, new everything. I always reminded myself, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” I wanted to make everyone who supported me, especially Better Me, proud.
During breaks, I’d catch up with Tom, Samambo, Kelvin, and “the gang” as I liked to call them, for study sessions. They were my rock, keeping me motivated. I worked my hardest right up until the end and aced my final exams. And beyond academics, I also learned the value of teamwork and getting along with others.
Meeting Torsten and the rest of the Better Me crew was like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. It made me realize just how powerful education can be. Korando and Better Me have been there for me through thick and thin, shaping me into who I am today and who I’ll become tomorrow. I’m determined to give back however I can because they lit up my darkest days, just like the sun.
Today, Vivien is a Media & Communcations intern at Better Me and together with our team, she shares her lessons and experiences with students across Kisumu County.
