Less than a week ago, 18-year-old Teddy Kahindi walked through the gates of Shimo La Tewa High School clad in torn clothes and slippers, guided by his visually impaired mother.
Today, that image of desperation has been replaced by one of profound hope.
Following the viral story run by Nation on Ms Stella Kadzo—who spent years begging on the streets of Malindi to educate and feed her children—Kenyans from all walks of life rose to the occasion.
By Friday, the Sh53,544 required for Teddy’s admission, along with additional funds for his uniform, bedding and art supplies, had been raised through a massive wave of online and private donations, including Mombasa Cement Company Limited, which paid a full year’s fees.
Visually impaired mother Stella Kadzo,52, and her son Teddy Kahindi, 18, at the Shimo La Tewa Boys Senior School seeking placement. The mother went to secure her son's slot in the senior school due to a lack of school fees.
Photo credit: Winnie Atieno|Nation Media Group
The atmosphere at the school was electric as Teddy arrived for his official admission, this time carrying a brand-new metal box instead of just his mother’s arm. Dressed in a white shirt and grey trousers of Shimo La Tewa High School, the young artist could hardly contain his smile.
He alighted from Principal Secretary for Youth and Sports Jacob Fikirini’s Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and was received into the arms of Chief Principal Mathew Mutiso, whom he hugged warmly.
“I feel like I am dreaming. I cannot believe that I am in school—a national one, for that matter. When we went to buy the uniforms yesterday, I thought I was hallucinating,” Teddy said, his eyes bright as he adjusted his new tie.
He said he would be disciplined and focus on his studies. For years, he drew on scraps of paper with a borrowed pen.
“Now I have a sketchbook and a set of pencils. I am ready to become the artist I’ve always dreamed of being. I will make my mother proud. I thank all Kenyans who helped me. God will reward each one of you,” he said.
His mother, Ms Stella Kadzo, sat quietly in the principal’s office, her white cane resting against a chair that felt far more secure than the dusty pavements of Malindi.
Though she could not see her son’s new uniform, she reached out to touch the fabric of his shirt, her face wet with tears of gratitude.
“I spent 20 years under the sun asking for coins so my children wouldn’t have to. God has finally heard the cry of a blind woman. I can go back to Malindi knowing my last-born is safe and learning,” Ms Kadzo whispered.
Shimo La Tewa Boys Senior School Chief Principal, Mathew Mutiso, welcoming visually impaired mother Stella Kadzo and her son Teddy Kahindi, 18, who was placed in the school.
Photo credit: Winnie Atieno|Nation Media Group
The chief principal, who had moved many by refusing to give away Teddy’s slot, expressed his gratitude to the well-wishers who stepped in.
“As a school, we knew Teddy belonged here. We saw his 53 points and his passion for the Arts and Sports pathway. We need to protect the boy child, especially those who are disadvantaged and facing challenges,” Mr Mutiso said.
“It proves that in this country, your background does not have to determine your destination,” he said.
Mr Fikirini said the boarding school would give the student ample time for learning. He decried the low transition rates from junior school to senior school at the Coast due to poverty, but urged parents to take their children to school.
“The mother and son were brave enough to come to this school to secure their slot. I will pay the school fees for a year and later start an income-generating activity for them. This is purely humanitarian,” said the PS.
Teddy is now officially enrolled, specialising in the Arts and Sports pathway. He spent his first afternoon in the school’s art department, where teachers noted his natural talent for sketching vehicles and portraits.
As the sun set over the Mombasa coastline, Stella prepared for her journey back to Kilifi—not to beg, but to rest—knowing her son’s journey towards becoming a professional artist had finally begun.
“I decided to help Teddy because his story in the Daily Nation, which went viral, touched me. I have paid his school fees for a year,” said one of the benefactors.
By Friday, more than 400 Grade 10 students had reported to the school for admission.
