Kevin and Beatrice’s Story: From the Streets to a Future of Hope
Kevin was just 15 years old and his sister Beatrice only 13 when their mother was sent to prison—again. Overnight, they lost their home. With no relatives willing to take them in, the siblings spent the next year and a half surviving on the streets. They worked in the fields to earn a few shillings for food and attended school only when they could. Malnourished and without stability, their future looked uncertain.
Then a prison chaplain told us about them. Through Building Families For Tomorrow, Kevin and Beatrice were welcomed into a Christian boarding school. At the time, Kevin had only completed grade 6 and Beatrice grade 5. Despite their struggles, both showed determination and resilience.
Kevin, known for his strong work ethic, was simply grateful to have regular meals and the chance to focus on his education. Beatrice, a bright and motivated student, finally felt safe and able to pursue her dreams.
Today, Kevin is thriving while studying Mechanical Engineering in college, and Beatrice is in her last year of high school, looking forward to a bright future—both excelling in their studies and growing into remarkable young adults.
What once seemed impossible has become a story of hope, resilience, and the power of second chances.
Irene’s Story: From Brokenness to New Beginnings
Irene’s life has been marked by both deep pain and incredible resilience. At just fourteen, she married and later became a mother to two daughters, Doreen and Diana. But when her youngest was only seven months old, tragedy struck. Irene’s husband, along with two accomplices, attempted to kill her so he could marry another woman. Stabbed multiple times, Irene somehow fought back and, in the struggle, one of the men lost his life.
Irene turned herself in and was sentenced to death, later reduced to life in prison. She spent 17 long years behind bars before receiving a presidential pardon in 2020. During her imprisonment, her daughters were raised by her mother. Doreen, the eldest, dropped out of school in grade six, married young, and later left her own child with Irene’s mother. Diana, the younger, stayed in school despite the hardship.
Upon her release, Irene joined Building Families For Tomorrow’s 6-month residential program, where she focused on learning tailoring. With support from BFFT, she opened a tailoring business in a nearby town, creating a sustainable income for her family. She also managed to purchase 0.2 acres of land overlooking a river near her mother’s home—enough to grow food to sustain her household.
Today, Irene’s daughter Diana continues her education with the help of school fees and supplies provided by BFFT, and Irene is also caring for her granddaughter. In an unexpected blessing, Irene recently welcomed a son, Moses.
Irene shares that she feels profoundly grateful for the second chance at life and the opportunity to build a secure future for her family. What once seemed like the end of her story has become a testimony of hope, restoration, and new beginnings.
Together Again: Joyce, John, Joan, and Janie’s Story
For three years, Joyce, John, and Joan lived with their uncle after their mother went to prison. Those years were marked by neglect and malnourishment. The twins, John and Joan, were already 7 years old when they joined Building Families For Tomorrow, yet they looked no older than 4. Joyce, just 12, was also extremely underweight. Their uncle admitted that he was only waiting for them to die.
When they arrived at BFFT, the children were frail and suffering from parasites. Their bodies were so unaccustomed to regular meals that at first they became ill after eating—simply because they were not used to feeling full. Slowly, with care, nutrition, and love, they began to heal.
John and Joan had never attended school before. They started in “Baby Class,” surrounded by children half their age but their same size. Joyce entered class 5, though she was far behind her peers. With time, support, and encouragement, all three began to catch up—physically, emotionally, and academically. Joyce was especially relieved to know her younger siblings were safe and cared for, allowing her to focus on her own education.
Today, Joyce is thriving in her last year of high school, while John and Joan continue to make steady progress in primary school. Their youngest sister, Janie, who had been living with their mother in prison until she turned 4 and “aged out,” joined her siblings at BFFT.
For the first time in years, all four children are together again—healthy, safe, and hopeful for the future.
