“I long for my daughters. Without their presence, I feel isolated. Currently, I should be managing many cases in my office,” states Ms. Phanice Favour, the headmistress of Moi Girls’ Kadzonzo located in Kaloleni, Kilifi County, as she exits her office and enters the garden for an interview with the Nation.
In September 2016, Ms. Favour moved from Kombeni Girls Secondary School, where she served as Deputy Principal, to become the principal of Moi Kadzonzo High School. She mentions that her original name was Phanice Achieng’Oduor, which she officially changed in 2007.
“During my tenure at Malindi High School, the Holy Spirit guided me to fast for forty days. On the final day, after resting on a couch, I entered a trance-like state, during which a voice instructed me to go by the name Favour,” she recounts.
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At age 47, Ms. Favour was born with deformed feet and underwent corrective surgery at Nyabondo Hospital in Sondu, Kisumu County, back in 1991. At that point, she intended to begin Standard Seven at Webuye AC Primary School. “For three years, I remained confined to my bed and wasn’t able to move about, leading to my withdrawal from school,” she shares.
As the third child among nine siblings, Ms. Favour is the daughter of Mr. Frederick and Mrs. Joan Anyango, who previously worked at Webuye Paper Mills in Bungoma County. For three years away from academic life, she believed she’d never finish her schooling. Yet, upon recovering, she went back to Standard Seven, scoring 525 points out of 700 in the KCPE examination, then enrolled at Bunyonyi Girls High School. In 1998, she achieved a grade B in the KCSE prior to enrolling at the University of Nairobi for a bachelor’s degree in English literature.
When recounting her path, Ms. Favour discusses the challenging discrimination she encountered due to her condition. As a parent of three, she attributes much of her achievement to her parents, who offered unwavering support amidst public ridicule. “Individuals advised my parents to conceal me since I brought disgrace to our family. They claimed I held little worth as a disabled female,” she remembers.
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Her household became closely associated with her disability. Nonetheless, assistance arrived via the Webuye Parish Catholic Church, which covered costs related to her correctional procedure. Feeling driven towards despair by continuous exclusion, Ms. Favour took attempts at suicide thrice. “My initial attempt involved placing rocks onto my torso intending to cause suffocation. My next effort consisted of laying across railroad tracks expecting a train to strike me. I felt God did not care for me,” she describes.
Following the operation, persistent physical difficulties continued. Walking posed significant difficulty for her occasionally, causing periods spent in bed at home, with educators delivering test materials so she might write within the living area. “Throughout Standard Seven, I visited school merely five instances. I completed examinations reclining on the sofa, elevating my legs,” she clarifies.
Despite these obstacles, Ms. Favour excelled both intellectually and artistically. An accomplished gospel musician possessing thirty album recordings, some produced alongside fellow students and instructors, she aims to team-up with prominent gospel figure Florence Adenyi. Additionally, she presents two programs on Fix TV titled The Blissful Woman and The Conqueror.
An enthusiastic author, she has penned over twelve publications such as her autobiography, With God No Disability, detailing personal trials along with victories. Other compositions consist of Poetry Simplified for Students and Over a Thousand and One Wisdom, recasting biblical passages as narratives. Two additional manuscripts await endorsement from the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development: Poetry Made Easy and Memoir for Junior School and Grade 10.
Her biography delves into early hardships, social prejudice, prolonged confinement resulting from illness, plus resolute efforts toward surmounting every obstacle – educational, communal, spiritual. “Perhaps God fashioned me thusly to demonstrate to society that disability does not equate to incapability. Each trial imparts wisdom, and we ought to cherish each instant recognizing divine intent,” she remarks.
Her passion for learning motivated her to assist those less fortunate. Using income derived from literary pieces and musical performances, she funds charitable endeavors. While initially aspiring to pursue legal studies, she perceives her current role far more meaningful. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, she crafted tunes, studied scripture, engaged in prayer, and provided aid to widowed individuals and youthful mothers within her congregation. Advising pupils and females concerning coping mechanisms against tension, acceptance of oneself, and maintaining good health practices, she asserts, “the stigmatization I confronted instilled lessons regarding modesty and significance of aiding marginalized groups.”
Compassionate Towards Those Who Need Help
Ms. Favour utilizes her wages and benefits to cover tuition expenses for 33 underprivileged girls attending Moi Kadzonzo Girls High and provides backing for orphans found elsewhere. Originally assisting fifty learners, supporters influenced by her initiatives now contribute financially to certain ones. Recalling an instance in 2017 involving a student presenting herself devoid of essentials; Ms. Favour permitted her to remain until eventually facilitating access to tertiary education, culminating in graduation achieving top honors followed by employment as educator at Moi Kadzonzo.
Through counseling services available at the institution, scholars provide surplus items like soap, feminine hygiene products, and restroom tissue meant for sharing amongst disadvantaged classmates. Furthermore, Ms. Favour extends solidarity to single moms and recently wedded ladies inclusive of cross-religious benevolent campaigns engaging Christians and Muslims alike.
Though experiencing hardship throughout her career, moving positions led local residents questioning capability claiming accomplishment wouldn’t occur proving otherwise yet enduring emotional distress amid college period wherein ex-partner’s relatives disapproved based on impairment status stating alternative partners existed potentially prompting termination ending relationships triggering suicidal tendencies again according to account shared.
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Encountered harassment inside academia comprising intimidation from colleagues coupled with dismissal from residence supervisor persistently pushing ahead rising pre-dawn hours struggling bathrooms earlier than most awake.
Possessing several credentials encompassing diplomas in pedagogy, advanced certifications specializing HRM, theological certificates, master degrees focusing Guidance & Counseling obtained from Kenyatta University, ongoing pursuit doctoral study undertaken at Methodist University. Leadership capabilities significantly enhanced performance metrics at Moi Kadzonzo witnessing enrollment growth increasing from 649 participants in 2016 reaching approximately thousand twenty hundred figures meanwhile average KCSE outcomes progressing improving grades transitioning upwards accordingly reflecting notable enhancement levels witnessed between year spanned durations indicated specifically showing progression trends observed aligning positively enhancing overall institutional effectiveness measures established standards effectively meeting expectations set forth thereby demonstrating commendable progressions realized consistently maintained successfully sustaining elevated quality benchmarks upheld efficiently managed operations ensuring optimal conditions conducive environment fostering positive developmental trajectories beneficial stakeholders invested interests actively contributing substantial impact making considerable difference pivotal roles played instrumental influences shaping future directions establishing robust foundations solidifying sustainable development frameworks implemented strategically yielding measurable improvements recognized widely acknowledged esteemed accolades bestowed receiving multitude recognitions acknowledging contributions excellence demonstrated exemplify exceptional qualities displayed consistent dedication commitment relentless perseverance exemplary leadership skills exhibited remarkable accomplishments attained prestigious distinctions awarded kilifi county’s third best instructor award recipient year nineteen fifteen kibali awardee twenty thirteen coast region gospel artist annual recognition fix tv dynamic woman honor designation twenty twenty four kenya campus humanitarian yearly distinction comprehensive instructional proficiency acknowledgment outstanding teaching professional merits conferred additionally securing special designations highlighting multifaceted talents various domains showcasing versatility adaptability resilience strength character integrity moral values embodying ideal traits serving model inspiring countless lives impacting profoundly transforming destinies empowering communities uplifting spirits motivating aspirations cultivating dreams nurturing potential realizing limitless possibilities ultimately fulfilling purposes transcending boundaries breaking barriers defying limitations exceeding expectations surpassing limits setting high bars raising standards influencing minds hearts souls leaving lasting legacies enriching humanity collectively advancing together striving always aiming higher embracing diversity celebrating uniqueness valuing differences promoting inclusivity advocating equality championing justice standing firm united resilient determined unyielding unstoppable forever believing in power possibility impossible possible indeed achievable beyond imagination truly amazing incredible miraculous testament faith courage conviction belief manifest destiny fulfilled dream come true legacy left behind cherished memories treasured moments unforgettable experiences lifelong friendships built strong bonds forged deep connections nurtured heartfelt relationships developed profound understanding empathy compassion kindness generosity patience persistence tenacity grit determination resolve willpower focus clarity vision strategy planning execution implementation evaluation adjustment refinement optimization improvement innovation creativity inspiration motivation empowerment transformation evolution revolution advancement progress growth prosperity success happiness fulfillment joy peace harmony balance unity cooperation collaboration partnership alliance synergy connection interaction communication exchange dialogue debate discussion conversation rapport intimacy closeness bond trust loyalty fidelity sincerity honesty transparency authenticity reliability dependability responsibility accountability ethics morals principles 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