Damaris’ Journey of Resilience

At just 21 years old, Damaris has faced a lifetime of challenges, yet her spirit remains unbroken. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, the kindness of strangers, and the transformative power of opportunity.

Damaris’ early life was marked by immense hardship. After completing Class 8 in 2019, her education stalled as she couldn’t afford the school fees. With her mother suffering from mental health issues and her grandmother having passed away, Damaris, the eldest of three siblings, found herself without parental support.

“I had nowhere to go,” she recalls. In desperation, she reached out to her Pastor, who connected her with the Director of Soweto Academy, Chris Okumu. This pivotal moment changed the trajectory of her life. Chris, seeing her potential, offered her a chance, welcoming her into the school to pursue her Form 4 education.

A New Chapter at Soweto Academy

Life at Soweto Academy provided Damaris with not only an education but also a sanctuary. However, her struggles were far from over. After finishing her Form 4 exams, her grandfather shockingly chased her away, insisting she should marry now that her studies were complete.

Again, with nowhere to turn, Damaris reached out to Chris, who welcomed her back to Soweto Academy.

“Life was hard,” she admits, “but he provided everything for me, even though I had finished my Form 4.” It was during this time that Damaris discovered a new passion. Chris, recognising her need for purpose, encouraged her to help in the school’s bakery.

“He explained to me how I can help here in the bakery to bake bread,” Damaris shares. “So, I still have the knowledge of baking the bread, buns.” This newfound skill and responsibility provided stability and a sense of belonging. The Soweto Academy, a girls’ boarding school, became her home.

From Baking to Building the Nation

Damaris’ journey took another unexpected turn when the school principal announced that the National Youth Service (NYS) was recruiting. Eager for new opportunities, Damaris applied. “I went to Nyayo Stadium, I ran, and I got the chance to join the National Youth Service,” she proudly states.

Her time in the NYS has been a continuation of her unexpected path. “I was eager to join it, even without knowing what happens there,” she says. After training, she was placed in the National Building programme, specifically in the kitchen sector. Damaris sees this as divine guidance; “I can see God had great purpose for me because even in Soweto I was in the bakery, baking bread, and there [at NYS] I’m in the kitchen cooking.”

Looking to the Future

Damaris’ experiences have instilled in her a deep gratitude and a desire to help others. She hopes to pursue a course in catering after her time with the National Building programme, seeing it as her true calling. “I started that work even in my childhood when I came here,” she explains, referring to her impromptu baking lessons at Soweto.

Her message to other children facing similar challenges is one of hope and perseverance; “For the orphans or the children that are outside there, who can’t afford to pay school fees, they can still work hard… to find chances in this school and they’ll never regret.” Damaris sees the school’s extracurricular activities, such as Netball, as a way to nurture talent.

Damaris’ story is a powerful reminder that with determination, the right support, and a little faith, even the most challenging beginnings can lead to remarkable achievements. Her journey from hardship to hope is an inspiration to us.