Student Profile
| Name: | Dennis Kayebeta |
| Gender: | Male |
| Date of birth: | 28th December 1991 |
| Place of birth: | Lusaka, Zambia |
| Guardian: | Clifford Mukuka |
| Profession: | Programs Assistant HIV/AIDS Technical Support |
| Primary School: | Chibelo Basic School |
Family Background:
Dennis was born and raised in Lusaka. He is a “double orphan”, meaning both his parents are deceased. His father died in 1992, when Dennis was just an infant. His mother raised him but sadly, she also passed away in 2005.
Since his mother’s death, Dennis has been living with his uncle, Mr. Clifford Mukuka, who is Dennis’ guardian and cares for him. Clifford has held various jobs, but none has been permanent. Most recently, he has worked as a Programs Assistant at the HIV/AIDS Technical Support Foundation. For the past three months, he has also worked part-time as a shopkeeper in order to supplement his income and meet the needs of the household. Previously, Clifford had been a farmer in the Northwestern Province of Zambia.
At times, there are as many as six other children living with Dennis. Dennis has one older brother named Matalia, who is 16 years old. The other five are cousins to Dennis and Matalia. The group lives with Clifford in the Mtendere compound of Lusaka.
Dennis' Education:
Dennis started attending primary school at Vera Chiluba Primary School in Helen Kaunda, Mtendere. He then transferred to Chebelo Basic School in Grade 5, after moving in with his guardian. The guardian felt that Chibelo was a better school.
Dennis’ performance at Chibelo was outstanding. He was ranked fourth in Grade 5, improved to the top spot in Grade 6, and finished second in Grade 7.
Dennis’ favorite subjects are Mathematics, English, and Science. He notes on his application that Chibelo is a nice school and is helping him to achieve his dreams in life.
Outside of class, Dennis is an active member of the HIV/AIDS Resource Center, where he learns more about HIV/AIDS and also volunteers as a peer counselor and educator.
At Ibex Hill School (Grade 8):
When Dennis first started in his new school, he felt he wasn’t doing too well in class, but as time went on everything started to change. In the beginning of the year he placed thirteenth in the overall class position. With more hard work he started to place sixth place. He has noted that there has been a tremendous improvement in his reading and speaking skills, especially when he has to do so in front of people.
(Grade 9)
In Grade 9, Dennis continues to strive for excellence as he improves in the areas he was struggling in. This year he has placed fourth place in his overall academic standing. Dennis has made a greater effort to manage his time wisely and has therefore improved his study habits. This has contributed to his progress in math, science history, religious education, English and geography. He says, “I am still working hard so that I can go to the next stage. I improved in my concentration in class and I understand everything the teacher says in class.”
At the 2008 awards ceremony, Dennis received an award for the most improved student in his class (Grade 9A). (Ibex Hill gives awards for the 1st, 2nd position and most improved student for every grade level.)
Career Interests:
His dream in life is to become a doctor. In his application, Dennis wrote that he wanted a scholarship in order to achieve that dream in his life.
Dennis' Interests:
Before Dennis enrolled at Ibex Hill he loved to play football and loved reading books. Now he has the opportunity to develop a love for other things as well.
Dennis continues to play soccer at Ibex Hill, featuring as a defender. He also plays volleyball and basketball which help to keep him active. He says, “I do these sports because they open my mind.”
Dennis is also part of the JETS club, an advanced math and science after-school club, which teaches him how to solve some math problems using simple ways.
What his teachers think of him:
His teachers say that Dennis is “one of the best pupils in class.” Furthermore, they mention that he is well-behaved in class and committed to his class work. His best grades are in Social Studies, English, and Mathematics. Dennis could use some extra help in Science.
Dennis' Thoughts:
“I am happy to be a part of the Kucetekela Foundation because I have achieved some things that will really help me in life, to be a better person. The education I am being provided with will help me be a very helpful person in society. I have learnt to associate with people I have never met in society. I have learnt how to be responsible and determined in whatever actions I take. I have learnt to deal with tougher situations that I have come across and how to face them.
As a KF member I will always encourage my friends and family to achieve good things in life. I have enjoyed spending time with my fellow KF students and other helpful people who can teach me something. I have enjoyed a lot because KF has taken me to some places where I have never been before in my life. It has taken me to the type of school my guardian could not afford to pay for. I hope to make the KF family and my new school proud of who I am as I reach my potential. Thank you."