A bright young star from Kombani within Matuga constituency of Kwale County is finding his education dreams dimming under the weight of financial struggle.
Suheil Mkalla Mumba, a 19-year-old boy is in the midst of a heartbreaking battle.
Despite his academic brilliance, having scored an impressive A- from Kwale High School in 2023, Suheil’s aspiration to study medicine at Egerton University is slipping away due to his family’s dire poverty.
Suheil’s journey is one of determination and resilience, shadowed by deep sorrow and despair.
The bright-eyed youth, once brimming with hope and ambition, now finds himself trapped in a cycle of hopelessness.
His story took a darker turn when he began to entertain thoughts of taking his own life, overwhelmed by the fading reality of his cherished dream of becoming a doctor.
This dream, a beacon of hope not only for Suheil but also for his impoverished family, now seems unattainable.
The source of Suheil’s distress is the severe financial constraints faced by his family.
His father, Rashid Mkalla Mumba, works tirelessly as a casual laborer, struggling to make ends meet.
Despite his relentless efforts, Rashid’s limited earnings are stretched thin, supporting a family of seven.
”Besides Suheil, there are two other children in high school and three in primary school, all relying on my irregular income”, he said.
The burden of providing for the entire family has left Rashid unable to secure the necessary funds for Suheil’s university education.
In an emotional interview, Rashid expressed his deep frustration and helplessness.
He recounted his futile attempts to seek assistance from local leaders, including the area’s Member of Parliament, Kassim Tandaza, and Women’s Representative, Fatuma Masito.
Despite his persistent pleas, his efforts have not yielded any support.
This lack of response has only added to the family’s despair, as they grapple with the harsh reality of their situation.
The impact of this financial struggle extends beyond Suheil and Rashid. Tatu Mohamed, Suheil’s mother, has seen her health deteriorate as she witnesses her son’s plight. The young man’s threats of suicide, driven by the despair of an unfulfilled dream, have taken a toll on Tatu’s mental and emotional well-being.
She has developed severe depression, made worse by the constant worry for her son’s future and the family’s overall hardship.
Tatu’s voice trembled with emotion as she recounted the heart-wrenching moments when Suheil’s despair seemed invincible.
”My son’s distress has not only affected his own mental health but has also plunged the entire family into a state of chronic anxiety and sadness, my depression has made it increasingly difficult to actively seek the help we desperately need” she said.
In the face of these overwhelming challenges, the family has turned to the community for support.
Tatu and Rashid have made a heartfelt appeal to donors, sponsors, and the Kwale County government, imploring them to step in and help save Suheil’s dream.
They believe that with the right support, Suheil’s potential can be realized, bringing hope and a brighter future not just for him, but for the entire family.
Suheil’s story is a saddening reminder of the stark realities faced by many bright young minds in impoverished communities.
It highlights the critical need for accessible education and financial support systems to ensure that talent and ambition are not wasted due to circumstances beyond their control.
As Suheil stands on the steep cliff of a promising future, the intervention of kind-hearted benefactors could make all the difference, turning his fading dream into a beacon of hope once more.
The Mumba family’s plea echoes through the village of Kombani and beyond, a call to action for those who can help to ensure that Suheil’s academic brilliance does not go to waste.
It is a call for compassion, for community support, and for the recognition that every child, regardless of their economic background, deserves the chance to pursue their dreams.
