Sr. Faith Atolwa
“I am deeply grateful to the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family for believing in me and
supporting my education,” says Dennis, whose journey from a childhood marked by financial
hardship to becoming a business owner and a resource to the sisters’ community reflects the
impact of educational support. After completing his studies in electrical engineering at Kenya
Industrial Training Institute (KITI) in Nakuru, Dennis established an M-Pesa business and a
cybercafé while continuing to seek formal employment in his field.
Dennis’s journey began when his family moved to Subukia. His mother, a single parent, was
responsible for raising and providing for him and his siblings, Lydia, Rose, Anne, and John.
With several children to care for and limited financial resources, meeting the family’s basic
needs and paying school expenses was a constant challenge.
During this difficult period, Dennis and his family came into contact with the Missionary
Sisters of the Holy Family, who offered encouragement and practical support to them and
other households in the neighbourhood facing similar difficulties.
Living near the sisters’ convent allowed Dennis and his siblings to visit the community and
make rosaries. In return, the sisters gave them a small payment that helped meet some of their
basic needs and contribute towards their school expenses. What began as a simple activity
became one of the ways the family received support during a challenging period.
Recognising that Dennis needed additional assistance to continue his education, the sisters
sought help from a Polish priest benefactor, who supported him throughout his studies. This
enabled Dennis to pursue further education and eventually undertake technical training in
electrical engineering at KITI in Nakuru.
His progress reflects the contribution of those who supported him along the way. The sisters
provided practical assistance and guidance, while the benefactor helped meet his educational
needs. Dennis, in turn, worked towards making use of the opportunities available to him.
Today, Dennis operates an M-Pesa business and a cybercafé in Nakuru as he continues
seeking formal employment in electrical engineering. Although he is still pursuing
opportunities in his field of training, he is already using his knowledge and skills in practical
ways.
His relationship with the sisters has continued beyond the period when he received assistance.
Dennis willingly visits families whose children are still receiving support from the
congregation. Having experienced the difference that educational assistance and
encouragement made in his own life, he understands the importance of standing alongside
others facing similar challenges.
Dennis has also shared his technical knowledge with the sisters’ community, advising them
on electrical matters, including the benefits of replacing their traditional electricity meter with
a smart meter to make monitoring electricity consumption and managing power usage easier.
He has additionally shared his knowledge about the installation of solar panels.
Reflecting on the support he received, Dennis said, “My journey has taught me that education
can transform lives, restore hope, and open doors to a better future. I will always be grateful for the people who walked with me, and I hope to use what I have learned to make a
difference in the lives of others.”
Dennis’s experience reflects the educational mission of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy
Family, which includes Christian education and youth formation. Through their work, the
sisters seek to help children and young people, particularly those from disadvantaged
backgrounds, discover their abilities and pursue opportunities that can improve their lives.
However, the needs of families seeking assistance often exceed the resources available to the
sisters. Dennis’s journey demonstrates the importance of collaboration in supporting young
people, with the sisters’ assistance and the benefactor’s contribution helping him continue his
education and acquire technical skills.
For the sisters, his journey is a reminder of the lasting impact of investing in young people.
Having benefited from their support, Dennis now shares his knowledge and skills with the
community that once helped him.
Through education, practical skills, mentorship and faith formation, the Missionary Sisters of
the Holy Family seek to help children and young people develop the abilities and values they
need to participate meaningfully in society. Dennis’s story illustrates how someone who once
received assistance can, in turn, use his skills and experience to support others.
