Dubai-Based Kenyan Flight Attendant Shares Story of Teacher Who Secretly Funded Her Education

A Kenyan woman living in Dubai has revealed that a teacher quietly paid for her entire primary school education without her knowledge.

Peris Maranga, now a flight attendant, shared the story in a social media post about the teacher, Harriet, who supported her while she attended Prosper School in Marmanet. Maranga joined the school in Standard Six and entered boarding school without knowing that her parents were not paying her fees. Harriet had taken responsibility for her education, covering tuition, uniforms, books and boarding costs.

Maranga only discovered the arrangement after completing primary school. The revelation became a lasting memory and shaped how she viewed the teacher’s support.

Harriet’s care went beyond paying school expenses. Each year, she made sure Maranga’s birthday was celebrated with a cake. When Maranga did not enjoy the food served at school, she would visit Harriet’s home, where the house manager welcomed her.

Harriet also made sure Maranga remained disciplined. When necessary, she would invoke the authority of Maranga’s father, a former soldier, to keep her on track.

Reflecting on the experience from Dubai, Maranga said Harriet had recognised the importance of her education despite having no guarantee of what she would achieve in the future.

“Someone had looked at a little girl and decided: ‘Her education matters,’” Maranga wrote.

She said the teacher’s decision to invest in her education had a lasting effect on her life. The experience has also influenced how she treats others, including by sharing opportunities, offering encouragement and urging people not to give up.

“Because once upon a time,” she wrote, “somebody was that person for me.”