Marjai, 11 years old, MO | 14 DAYS WAITING

Wish submitted by:

MO DSS Children's Division - Jackson County

Marjai's story is a powerful testament to her resilience at such a young age. After being homeschooled by her mother, she started attending school for the first time around the age of 10. Throughout her life, Marjai has described the experience of being in hiding, moving from place to place. She doesn't know her exact birthday, as her mother cannot recall the details of her birth, but this doesn't bother Marjai. Instead, she has chosen her own date to celebrate each year with her family, including her grandmother and a few other family members. Marjai values her relationship with her father, who is currently incarcerated but is expected to be released soon. His absence has been emotionally challenging for her, but he makes a point to call her often, using his limited phone minutes to stay connected. Despite facing challenges in her early education, Marjai has a strong passion for learning and enjoys school, where she maintains satisfactory grades. After school, she spends her time playing educational games and reading books. Marjai is driven and has set ambitious goals for her future; she aspires to be a math teacher. Her determination to overcome obstacles and prioritize her education has impressed her teachers, who have noted how quickly she has adjusted to the school environment.

An iPad for Marjai would significantly enhance her educational experience and support her specific needs. Marjai's grandmother is understandably concerned after Marjai recently lost her tablet, fearing it will hinder her ability to engage with the educational applications recommended by her teachers and counselor. Since Marjai has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), she particularly enjoys games that focus on math equations, which help reinforce her learning. Plus, the tablet serves as a vital communication tool for Marjai. Her grandmother is not yet comfortable with Marjai having her own phone, so the tablet has become her primary means of staying connected with family. This is especially important for her relationship with her father, who is currently incarcerated. With limited funding for phone calls, he relies on an inmate messaging application to send her simple messages, making this form of communication crucial for Marjai. Providing her with an iPad would not only benefit her education but also strengthen her connections with loved ones.