Real-Life Stories
Malaria No More recently asked students at Mt. Kenya Academy in Nyeri, Kenya, to share their own experiences with malaria. Founded in 1982, Mt. Kenya Academy takes its name from the nearby mountain—an awe-inspiring wonder that sits on the equator, yet is capped by ice. Many of the students come from coastal and other areas of Kenya hard hit by malaria. Here are excerpts from essays the students wrote about their own experiences...
Rita Githiaka
"I come from a country where malaria is a threat to the lives of the citizens. As much as I would hate to admit it, malaria has mercilessly killed many, including loved ones of mine. Despite the fact that I have not physically suffered from this epidemic, I have been a witness...A world without malaria would be safer and happier considering the pain it has inflicted on the people of Africa and other parts of the world. It would definitely be a world better than it has always been!"
Phoebe Murage
It came without anyone taking note of its arrival,
Many thought it came to pass by,
But it had come to stay.
It started finishing our people one after the other,
We should eradicate malaria before it gets rid of us.
Kanuri Kimiti
"I live in Kenya where thousands of brilliant minds die every year as a result of malaria. Many families suffer because of this disease. Instead of trying to develop our country we are dealing with funerals...Organizations, governments and the people at large need to see that we must all come together to help one another, so we may be able to make our world a malaria free world."
Would you like to make friends with a student in Africa? Visit the "Connecting with Africa Students" activity in the Scholastic 5th and 6th Grade Teacher Magazine (PDF) to learn more.
Do you have a story to share? Tell us about it!