by: Oscar Mwikya | Fountain of Hope // Kenya

I was born on November 8, 1998, into a world of uncertainty. My father, Patrick Mwikya, a dedicated army officer stationed at Karasani Police Station in Nairobi, was deployed to a conflict zone in Rift Valley, Kenya, shortly after my birth. Tragically, he never returned. My mother, Rhodah Mwikya, suddenly found herself a single parent, struggling to raise us alone. The weight of providing for our family, with little to no support, became unbearable. Over time, the stress took its toll, and before I could even start school, she succumbed to illness, leaving me orphaned at a tender age.

With nowhere stable to call home, I was passed from one relative to another, sometimes even staying with neighbors. Each move meant adjusting to a new school, a new environment, and a constant battle for survival. There were nights I went to bed hungry, days I wore the same tattered clothes to both school and home. My older siblings, though caring, were either too young to provide or had just started their own families, leaving us to fend for ourselves.

Then, in 2008, a glimmer of hope appeared. My brother, who had completed college, was working for and helped me gain admission to Fountain of Hope Church and Ministries. For the first time, I had a place to call home. At Fountain of Hope, I received the education, care, and stability I had longed for. With the right environment and unwavering support, I excelled in my studies, scoring highly in my Class 8 exams, which earned me a place at Masii High School in Machakos County.

For the next four years, Fountain of Hope Church and Ministries, in partnership with World Orphans and our Church Partner (River Oaks Community Church), sponsored my education, ensuring I never lacked the essentials. Their belief in me ignited my determination to succeed.

After high school, I pursued Information Technology at Karen Institute of Science and Technology in Nairobi, later advancing my studies in Artificial Intelligence at Zetech University. Despite the challenges, I remained focused on my dreams. After graduation, Fountain of Hope Church once again stepped in, offering me an internship at Bishop Kaia Schools, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience in the tech world.

Then, in 2023, a breakthrough came—I joined Family Bank Kenya as an IT Support professional. From a child who once struggled to find his next meal to a young professional in the banking sector, my journey has been nothing short of miraculous. Beyond my career in IT, music is my passion. It has been my escape, my way of telling my story, and a tool to inspire others facing similar struggles.

Looking back, my story is one of pain, struggle, and loss—but, more importantly, one of resilience, hope, and triumph. It is a testament that no matter where you come from, your future is in God’s hands.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” My life is a living proof of this promise.

Today, as I stand at the threshold of greater opportunities, I remain grateful for the people and organizations that invested in me. Fountain of Hope, World Orphans, and my supporters gave me more than just an education—they gave me hope, a future, and the courage to dream beyond my circumstances.

To anyone facing hardships, wondering if their story will ever change—hold on. Hope is real, and your future is bright.

This article was originally published in the World Orphans Spring Insight Magazine 2025.