Jeniffer Kareche

My name is Jeniffer Kareche. I am a St Aloysius graduate of 2019. My experience during this covid-19 pandemic has been challenging but I am coping well with the situation.

Everything changed in the month of March when the first covid-19 case was reported in Kenya. The country went into a state of panic.  It started by all public gatherings being banned, including the closure of schools and all places of worship across the country.

Personally, it was difficult to adapt to the new normal since I had to wear a mask while in public, something I had never done before. I had to keep my distance from my friends and family and wash my hands very often.

I was quite disappointed because I could no longer go for my community service where I used to help in teaching kindergarten children. I really miss the moments and memories I shared with the kids. I also felt bad because I could no longer go for reflection on Friday at St. Al’s where I would share my weekly experience of community service and interact with my friends afterwards.

I got stranded when everything changed since I was expecting to join university in September; however, we still got admitted to university via the online platform. I am still not certain of the reporting date but hopefully it will be in January 2021.

The school was not able to host St. Aloysius Day celebrations due to government restrictions on public gatherings. But as the graduates of 2019, we got an opportunity to be awarded for our great performance in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. I scored a mean grade of B- which should earn me a chance at the university.  (Students must score at least a C+ to qualify for financial support for university.)

This COVID-19 period has been challenging in that with closure of businesses, most people lost their jobs and it has not been easy to put food on the table. St. Aloysius has really helped us by assisting us with food and some other basics to sustain us during this period.

I am very grateful to Fr. Terry and all our donors for the aid they have been giving us. I pray that a suitable solution for this pandemic is found so that life can go back to how it used to be.