Grade Female: Kindergarten - 8th Gr.

School Grade 8

Melsnyder is the third born in a family of 5 children. She was born in 2006 at Kibwogi Island in Kaksingri West location.  Melsnyder’s father died when she was very young, leaving Melsnyder and her siblings under the care of the mother who has been struggling to take care of the family.

Melsnyder’s elder sibling, Clinton, is learning at Kibwogi primary school in grade 6. The second born sibling, Felix, is learning at GGCC in grade 6. The fourth born, Gerald, is in KG22 at the village preschool, and the youngest brother, Neo, is 3 and has not started school yet.

Melsnyder’s mother has tried to provide for her children, but a farmer is very dependent on the weather for good crops. The unpredictable nature of farming has impacted their financial situation and they often do not have a sufficient income. Melsnyder’s mother also helps fishermen in her community in order to supplement their income, but it is never enough.The mother is often forced to choose between food and the education of her children.

Melsnyder was learning at Kibwogi primary school where she was in grade 1 before joining GGCC. Melsnyder’s attendance was severely impacted thus affecting her performance in school.

Melsnyder sleeps in her mother’s iron roofed, mud walled house where she shares a mat and old blanket with her siblings. While at home, she assists her mother with some of the domestic duties of the home.

Melsnyder was admitted to GGCC in January of 2017 as an orphaned and vulnerable child in KG3. She is very happy that with God’s help she will be able to learn with minimal interruptions and challenges. She hopes to be an engineer when she grows up. She is also thankful to receive three meals a day.

Her best subject is science. Melsnyder enjoys playing with her classmates, especially football and swinging. While she is at home she assists the mother carry out some age friendly domestic duties.

Update, November 2017:

Melsnyder is doing well in school and has placed 15th in her class of 34.  Her favorite subject is math. When Melsnyder goes back to her village, she attends a Baptist church and loves to praise God. She loves to play netball which is a game similar to basketball and volleyball.

Grade 8 - 2024

DOB: 2006

Partial Orphan