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When Support Meets Determination: Farah’s Story of 13 Points

Born in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Farah Paulo’s childhood was marked by struggle and sacrifice. As the third-born in a family of five, she grew up watching her parents wrestle with the pressures of providing for their children’s education. Often, school fees for her older siblings meant there was little left for her and the possibility of dropping out always loomed over her. At one point, she came very close to leaving school altogether not because she lacked ability, but because resources were simply too scarce.

Realizing her potential to excel and not wanted to let her down, her father undertook bold steps to ensure his daughter never drops out of school in place of her siblings. That is when he chanced upon the secondary scholarships program by There is Hope (TIH). Together they applied.

 

Farah was successfully enrolled in the TIH scholarships while in her Form 3. A fresh air of relief and hope was within. The support was life changing. With her school fees covered, she no longer had to anxiety being sent home or missing important lessons. For the first time, she had the peace of mind to concentrate fully on her studies.

“The scholarship lifted a heavy burden from my family,” she said, “and it gave me the chance to believe in myself,” she grinned.

Back home, the scholarship also lifted some weight off her parents. With her tuition, uniform, groceries and stationery covered by TIH Scholarship, her parents were now able to concentrate in educating her siblings.

In a world were the scholarship would otherwise put her at ease and relax academically, Farah found a chance to pour herself into her books with relentless dedication and focus. Sleepless nights and long hours of revision became her routine. Encouraged by TIH’s education coordinators, who stood by her as mentors and role models, she developed not only academically but also in her confidence. Their words and support reminded her that she was capable of great things.

Her determination bore fruit when she passed her exams with 13 points at Loyola Jesuit Secondary School in Kasungu, an achievement she is very proud of.

“Without God, my efforts would have been in vain,” she says. “The scholarship was a blessing, but it was also my prayer, discipline and perseverance that carried me through.”

Looking ahead, Farah dreams of joining a public university to study engineering, a field where women remain underrepresented. She hopes to break barriers and show other girls that no dream is too big if they trust in God and refuse to give up.

 

Farah also wants to give back. She hopes to help children facing the same struggles she once endured and she gently encourages girls who feel like quitting to keep holding on.

Through our Secondary and University Scholarship Programmes, There is Hope is giving vulnerable girls, refugees, and host community youth the chance to dream bigger. By covering the costs of education and offering constant encouragement, we are lifting the weight of financial barriers and walking alongside them on their journey. Each scholarship is more than support for school—it is an investment in a young life, a family, and ultimately a community’s brighter future.