We all face challenges in life, but for some people, their obstacles may look difficult to handle. But, there are some people who defeat all those difficulties in their lives and emerge champions.
Despite facing physical limitations, Nabilabi Simiyu Joseph who was student at the Nalondo CBM School for People Living with Disabilities beat all the obstacles and was the top student, scoring a B plain in the 2024 KCSE results.
Joseph, a resident of Sio village in Bungoma County and a third born child as her mother Christine Nanjala says, was born a normal child but later on developed difficulties which affected his growth. The mother says she has visited many hospitals to reverse the condition of his son in futile.
Speaking to the media after the release of the results, Christine says that the academic journey of his son has had ups and downs.
“It has been a difficult journey up to this far, but I thank the Almighty for giving me the energy and hope, from primary school it was tedious carrying my son to and from school every day because he couldn’t walk on his own,” noted Christine.
After completion of primary education, Joseph scored 360 marks and was offered a chance at Bungoma High but her mum declined the offer.
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“My son was offered admission in Bungoma High but upon consultation, I decided to take him to Nalondo CBM, there I knew he will feel comfortable and encouraged as he will join his fellow students living with disability and am happy my son has made me proud,” said the mother.
The mother who lives in a rented house hopes that his son will one day take her out of poverty through his hard work and she calls upon well-wishers to help his son join university in September.
The journey of Nabilabi reminds us that limitations are just in our minds, and that with willpower, persistence, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible. Joseph encourages other students living with disabilities instead of worrying about the challenges; they should focus on the strengths by identifying their abilities and use them to overcome challenges
“Don’t be afraid to reach out for help from people around you. Your family, friends or experts are always there to support you and nothing is more powerful than having faith in yourself. When you trust your own potential and never give up on your dreams, magic happens,” said Nabilabi.
Nabilabi applauds the efforts put in place by the teachers who sacrificed their time to ensure that they get the necessary guidance for them to succeed.
Dream course
On his part, the school Principal Walter Kwanusu acknowledged the efforts of the 2024 class that raised the school mean by a positive deviation of +0.5 taking to university a total of 17 students from the previous six.
Kwanusu praised his top student Nabilabi and also hopes that he will be given his dream course in the university to pursue his dream career.

“He is a boy from a very humble background, and upon admission in this school, he promised to work hard and give good results and he has proved his word. I pray that he gets a good course in the university to pursue his dream and one day take his family out of poverty,” noted the Principal.
Kwanusu encouraged other parents with children Living With Disability not to hide them in the house but rather take them to school since they have the same potential and that success is not defined by our physical limitations.
He said that Nalondo CBM is there to accommodate all learners irrespective of the physical, social or economic barriers.
By Achola Bulimo Mathews
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