Five sisters dropped out of school three years ago after their mother became terminally ill and never returned. With the assistance of full scholarships, the siblings are set to study for free. A visit from Miss World Africa, Evelyn Njambi, accompanied the announcement.

“Our father is jobless and he asked us to stop going to school as he could not afford it. We used to go nights without food. Life has been very difficult after mum left, we don’t know where she is,” said Maridhia, aged 5.

The scholarships come from Bridge in conjunction with a philanthropic project called Reach for the Stars, spearheaded by Ms Njambi, who is also the reigning Miss Kenya. Bridge has partnered with Ms Njambi as an advocate for universal education for disadvantaged children. Reach for the Stars also donates shoes to needy pupils, sanitary towels to senior female pupils and gives motivational talks and mentoring to pupils.

The eldest of the sisters, who has been taking care of her sisters since their mother died, got pregnant last year at the age of 15. Although she has stated her disinterest in returning to education, Bridge is working to nurture an interest to return in the young mother.