Evodia’s Journey:
A Beacon of Hope through Twelve21
Evodia King Edward, a resilient mother of three, faced unimaginable hardship when she became a widow while pregnant with her youngest son, Eliya. With only five thousand Tanzanian shillings ($2) in hand, Evodia sold ripe bananas on the streets of Ntama on Kome Island to support her sons—Emmanuel, Erick, and Eliya. Living in a rental house without external assistance was a relentless struggle each day.
Yet, amid the daily battles, a glimmer of hope emerged when Twelve21 School embraced her eldest son, Emmanuel. The school provided not only free education but also food and medication. This support lifted a significant burden off Evodia’s shoulders, allowing her to focus on providing for herself and her two sons.
Erick, her second son, faces additional challenges as he is deaf and mute. However, Evodia proudly describes him as clever and attentive. Despite his disabilities, Erick intuitively assists his mother in the kitchen, always knowing exactly what she needs without being prompted.
The impact of Twelve21 School on Evodia’s life extends far beyond educational support. The school’s nurturing environment has brought love and care into their lives, a stark contrast to the closed doors from her relatives. This loving community became a source of strength and solace for Evodia and her children.
Through tears of gratitude, Evodia expresses, “I never thought anyone would care for us, but Twelve21 School has proven me wrong.” She says in moments of quiet reflection, “Every day, I see my sons thriving in this school; I know we are not alone in this world.”
Evodia’s journey is one of resilience, love, and hope, made possible by the kindness and compassion of Twelve21 School and its community. Her story aligns with the heart of Twelve21 Global’s vision—to bring the hope of Jesus to spiritually dark and physically impoverished communities. By providing care, education, and a nurturing environment, Twelve21 School is transforming lives, breaking the cycle of poverty, and bringing light into the lives of those who need it most.
Evodia’s unwavering spirit inspires us to believe in the power of community, compassion, and the hope that we are never alone, even in the darkest times.