Cura Orphanage Students Thrive in Chosen Paths

It’s been a busy year for the students at Cura Orphanage! We caught up with International Program Director, Hayden Bixby, who provided us with all the good news.

Agnes, Beatrice and Maureen (all pictured above) finished secondary school in 2021, and are currently working on their post-secondary planning through the Cura Orphanage partnership with John Kaheni Residence (JKR), a transitional housing program for kids who have come from group homes and need a little help as they pursue their next steps. 

At JKR, the girls take a course called Angaza, which means “illuminate” or “shine,” in English; it is designed to help them inventory their skills and interests, and give them tools to determine a meaningful path toward financial and emotional self-sufficiency. They also take “short courses” to provide a safety net of skills that can be used to earn income while they study for their larger, chosen careers.

 

Agnes is studying plumbing and pipe-fitting at an organization called the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). Following that, she’ll progress to a long course in Business Management later in 2022.

 

Beatrice is currently enrolled in a short course for baking and pastry making. She’ll move on to a longer course of study in Hospitality and Hotel Management.

 

Maureen is currently enrolled in a Hairdressing unit in preparation for her year-long course in Cosmetology, which she’ll take at Beauty Point College.

 

Sharon (not pictured) will continue to progress through secondary school and will move on to Form 4, (senior year).

 

Naomi (not pictured) will also advance in secondary school, and will move up to Form 3 (junior year).

 

Minnet (not pictured), will directly pursue a trade school path with the advisement and support of a local social worker. 

 

Bixby, added, “We are proud of all of our girls, and so grateful for the support of The Cynthia Lennon Scholarships!”