“My brothers can’t afford to buy food. I am struggling to become educated so I can help my family. I have realized that it is only education that can change things for me.”
Harrison Nyamawi

Born in Kenya, Harrison Nyamawi has had more than his share of struggles trying to get an education. Ever since he lost his father at a young age, Harrison has struggled to raise the money he needs to stay in school.

Because of this, Harrison has missed an occasional term or had to repeat a grade. His family's money was used to send his older brother to school. His older sister, who supported his education, died, and a cousin who took on the financial responsibility had to stop.

Throughout it all, Harrison persevered and successfully overcame the challenges. Today he is volunteering with an organization that will help to send him to college. Through that organization, he helps inspire other young people to overcome life's challenges and instill in them the importance of getting an education.

Asked why he has persisted in the face of such difficult challenges, Harrison says, "My brothers can't even afford to buy food. I am struggling to become educated so I can help my family. I have realized that it is only education that can change things for me. They say education is preparation for life, but education is life itself."

This story is part of education shapes futures, a compilation of powerful stories of young people living in GPE partner developing countries on how education had a positive impact on their lives.