When Rachel completed her elementary schooling in 2014, she was unsure how to continue her education and achieve her dream of graduating from a good university in Kenya. Rachel’s mother runs one of Moja Tu’s partner children’s homes – Sons of Manasseh Children’s Home – where she cares for many children alongside her own. To ensure the children’s home can educate all the children under its care, Rachel’s mother prefers enrolling them in low-cost schools, which are usually underfunded and understaffed.
“That is the standard option for all of us at home. The issue with such schools is that they limit students’ potential. I had passed the elementary school exit exams and desired to enroll in a quality high school.” Rachel tells us.
Just as Rachel was worried and doubting her future, Moja Tu came into her life, offering hope.
With Moja Tu’s support and sponsorship program, Rachel’s educational journey took a significant turn. The organization provided her with financial assistance, ensuring she didn’t have to worry about school fees throughout her secondary and university education. “I didn’t have to worry about being in and out of the classrooms because of lack of fees,” Rachel reminisced.
Moja Tu didn’t stop at financial aid alone. They also organized tutoring classes during Rachel’s high school years, where she found immense help in areas she didn’t fully understand. Additionally, she had the opportunity to interact with peers from other schools, broadening her knowledge and perspective. Rachel remarks, “The tutoring classes were beneficial to me and helped my success in school.”
Among the various programs offered by Moja Tu, mentorship played a pivotal role in Rachel’s academic growth. She vividly remembers seeking guidance from her mentor, Laura, who also happened to be her sponsor, when Rachel lacked confidence about presenting and defending her final year project. Laura’s encouragement and valuable tips instilled confidence in Rachel, enabling her to deliver an outstanding presentation. “Mentorship has helped me to build my confidence and grow my character,” Rachel acknowledges gratefully.
When Rachel faced the daunting task of choosing a major for university, Moja Tu organized a career talk. During this event, Rachel approached one of the guests, seeking advice. This conversation proved invaluable, as it guided her in making an excellent decision: attending the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology to study Business and Information Technology.
The impact of Moja Tu extended beyond academic assistance. Rachel improved her social skills through the organization and gained confidence interacting with new people. The Moja Tu community became her extended family, allowing her to meet and connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Rachel’s gratitude was evident as she expressed, “I was able to grow my confidence more than I had hoped.”
Finally, in June of this year, Rachel graduated, turning her once-distant dream into a stunning reality. Reflecting on her journey, Rachel recognized that education makes any goal attainable. She encouraged others to seize the chance to go to school, work hard, and never hesitate to ask questions when in doubt.
Once she graduated, transitioning from university life to the challenges of adult life was another hurdle Rachel faced. Still, Moja Tu’s mentorship program continued to provide her with much-needed support. She confided in her mentor about her struggles, and together they built a plan to help Rachel manage everyday life more effectively.
Rachel expresses her heartfelt appreciation to Moja Tu for every success she’s experienced. She extended her gratitude to Kathy and Michael for having the dream that transformed her life, and she reserved a special thank you for her beloved mentor, Laura, for her love, support, and unwavering belief in her potential.
Rachel’s story is a testament to the transformative power of Moja Tu, demonstrating the immense impact it has on students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It showcases how education, support, and mentorship can pave the way for a brighter future, turning dreams into reality.