At just 24 years old, Everlyne is not only a determined entrepreneur but also a devoted mother to her three-year-old daughter, Hope. Her journey is one of strength, perseverance, and transformation, reflecting the very essence of Tumaini International- bringing HOPE where there was none. Today, Everlyne owns and operates a thriving boutique business in Nairobi, Kenya, ensuring financial independence and providing for both herself and her daughter. But her path to success was not a walk in the park.
Everlyne, being the second-born in a family of three siblings, grew up alongside her elder brother, Samuel, and younger sister Faith. Her father, a hardworking accountant, ensured that his children had access to education and a decent living, despite the family’s modest means of survival. However, tragedy struck in 2005 when the father passed away, leaving her mother as the sole provider. Without formal skills or stable employment, her mother relied on small-scale farming, but the unpredictable rains in lower eastern Kenya often led to poor harvests, making survival a daily struggle. She recalls: "I was only in Class 2, but I vividly remember how painful it was-not just for us, but mostly for mum. Some days, we survived on porridge; on worse days, we slept hungry." With no money for school fees, uniforms, or daily essentials, Everlyne’s education hung in the balance. Her mother did menial jobs, doing whatever she could to keep her children in school, but the burden was overwhelming.
In 2009, a well-wisher introduced Everlyne and her brother to Tumaini, offering them a chance for sponsorship. She recalls the life-changing moment: "I received news that I had a sponsor who committed to supporting my education. I was overjoyed and vowed to work hard to make my sponsor and my mum proud." Tumaini’s sponsorship lifted a huge burden off Everlyne’s mother’s shoulders. It covered tuition, healthcare, school uniforms, and even food packages to ensure the children thrived in school. Initially, all three siblings were sponsored by Debbie, and later, Everlyne received continued support from Karen throughout her high school education. Determined not to waste this opportunity, Everlyne excelled academically, and in 2018, she sat for her secondary school exams, scoring a C+, which qualified her for Machakos University to pursue a BA in Public Administration.
Though excited, Everlyne faced a new hurdle- university education in Kenya is expensive, and Tumaini’s sponsorship ends after high school. Her mother and relatives raised funds to cover her first-year tuition through a Harambee, but there was no money left for her daily upkeep. "I felt like the closer I got to achieve my dream, the further it moved away," she shares.
To survive, she began buying and selling small items to fellow students—an early glimpse into the entrepreneur she would become.
Thankfully, Tumaini had just launched an Alumni Scholarship Fund to bridge the gap for students entering tertiary education. Everlyne applied and secured funding, covering the rest of her tuition and even providing support for her basic needs. "Tumaini saved me once again! With the money I received, I advanced my entrepreneurial skills—buying second-hand clothes from wholesalers and selling them by the roadside. This helped me sustain myself while in school and laid the foundation for my business today."
In May 2024, Everlyne graduated from Machakos University, a moment she had long prayed for. Though she hasn’t yet secured formal employment, she refused to sit back and wait. Instead, she leveraged her business skills and set up a boutique in Nairobi’s Central Business District, using savings from an internship at Nairobi City County Government and a loan she got from Tumaini Alumni loan kitty- a revolving fund under our socio-economic program that is given to alumni wishing to venture into business that can be used as capital or boost for a business. "I can now take care of myself, my daughter’s school needs, and even support my mother at home. I may not have achieved my dream of owning a consultancy firm yet, but I am actively working toward it!"
Everlyne remains immensely grateful to Tumaini, her sponsors Debby Darwin and Karen Edwards, and everyone who supported her journey. Her journey is just one of many that showcase Tumaini’s impact—investing in education, breaking the cycle of poverty, and creating life-changing stories. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners and donors for their unwavering support. Together, we are empowering underserved youth in Kenya—one child at a time.
