On October 17, the world marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a reminder that poverty is not only about lack of money but also about limited opportunities. At Moja Tu, we believe the strongest tool to break this cycle is education. When students gain access to learning, they unlock doors to employment, entrepreneurship, and financial independence, creating ripples that uplift entire families and communities.
This vision comes alive in the stories of Angela, Peter, and Emmanuel. From becoming the first in their families to attend university, to securing meaningful careers and starting businesses, they are proof that education is more than academics; it is a pathway to dignity, resilience, and lasting change. Their journeys remind us that when one student succeeds, generations move forward.
How Education Turned Angela’s Dreams into Opportunities
For Angela Nduta, education has been the bridge to independence, opportunity, and the power to transform not just her life, but also the lives of those around her.
Angela studied Diploma in Medical Engineering at campus, where she gained valuable technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. But her education journey didn’t stop there. In her second year, she discovered digital marketing, a skill that would later become her passport into the world of technology and business.
Today, Angela wears many hats. She runs the digital marketing department at an IT company that supplies and repairs computers, desktops, UPS systems, printers, accessories, and software. Alongside her career, she is also an entrepreneur, running her own bookshop business.
“I am grateful for education. It gave me literacy, empowered me with the art of research, and equipped me with the knowledge to gain skills. Education helped me reach this point,” she says.
Through education and financial independence, Angela has been able to support herself with confidence, make wiser decisions, and grow into a person who uplifts others. For her family, her success has been more than financial support. She has shared her knowledge, perspective, and encouragement, becoming a source of strength for siblings, relatives, and friends. “Financial independence has helped me be a better and helpful friend, sister, auntie, granddaughter, mentor, and mentee,” she explains.
Her growth has also rippled outward into her community. She has created value and opportunities, inspiring others to see what is possible when one gains access to education. For Angela, breaking the cycle of poverty extends beyond financial means. “Breaking the cycle of poverty for me means knowledge, empowerment, and being wiser. It means getting closer to success, financial freedom, and a better mindset,” she says.
Carrying Generations Forward: Peter’s Story with Moja Tu
For Peter Gatua, stepping into university has been more than just a personal milestone. As the first in his family to reach this level of education, he carries not only his own dreams but also the hopes of his family and community. “This achievement feels like a blessing and a great honour, one that motivates me to keep striving for excellence,” he says.
His success has become a source of inspiration for those around him. His family, once uncertain about the power of education, now sees it as a true tool for change. Within his community, his journey serves as proof that with determination, faith, and the right support, it is possible to break barriers and achieve greatness. His younger siblings and relatives, inspired by his example, now approach their studies with seriousness and a renewed sense of possibility.
The road to university, however, was not easy. Peter faced financial challenges, limited access to learning resources, and moments of discouragement. Yet through perseverance, faith, and hard work, he kept moving forward.
“The support of Moja Tu was instrumental, providing the resources and encouragement I needed to stay the course. Mentorship programs in particular gave me new insights and motivation, reminding me that I am not walking this journey alone.”
Peter draws strength from his family’s unwavering belief in him, and from Moja Tu’s continued support. For him, breaking the cycle of poverty means opening doors that were once closed, changing the story of his family, and showing others in his community that education is the path to freedom and progress.
Emmanuel’s Journey From Uncertainty to Opportunity
When Emmanuel joined Moja Tu, completing secondary school seemed like a distant dream. Coming from a background where affording school fees and meeting basic needs was a daily struggle, the idea of pursuing higher education felt out of reach. Moja Tu changed this reality by stepping in to support him not only with school fees but also with essentials such as shopping, transport, medical care, and accommodation.
“This consistent support gave me the peace of mind to focus fully on my studies and the motivation to keep working hard,” he shares.
The opportunities provided by Moja Tu went beyond academics. He was able to attend a private secondary school, where he benefited from quality education and access to mentorship programs. These experiences shaped his personal growth, strengthened his confidence, and broadened his perspective on what was possible for his future.
Recently, Emmanuel completed a Diploma in Hospitality and is now preparing to pursue a degree in the same field. His ambition is to one day supervise and manage a hotel or restaurant, building a career that not only secures his own future but also inspires his community to believe in the power of education.
For Emmanuel, breaking the cycle of poverty means having the chance to rise above limitations, create opportunities, and set a positive example for those who come after him. He expresses deep gratitude to Moja Tu sponsors, donors, and supporters, whose sacrifice and generosity have made his journey possible.
Angela, Peter, and Emmanuel show that education is more than learning—it’s a path out of poverty. By empowering students, we create opportunities that uplift families and communities. This International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, let’s invest in education and transform lives for generations to come.