In celebration of the many women who donate their time and money to ensuring our students receive a quality education, we had a candid conversation with one of our long-standing sponsors and board members, Teri Hackathorn. Teri understands that child sponsorship is the best way to impact the lives of children living in abject poverty. She talked about providing ongoing support to sponsored children, making personal investments, and building lasting relationships, which are fundamental in lasting impact.
What inspired you to start sponsoring students?
I work with one of the Moja Tu founders, and he would always talk about this group of students he was sponsoring. It was heartwarming to hear about the impact that the sponsorship had on the lives of these students, and I became interested. So, I visited their website – www.mojatu.org – and I loved the work they were doing. I then picked my first student – Esther.
How many students are you sponsoring, and how did you end up with them?
I have sponsored three students so far; one of them completed university in 2019 and is in active employment. I chose the second student from the website as a co-sponsor though I eventually fully sponsored her. During a Moja Tu gala in Austin, Texas, I picked the third student. Both of the students I am actively supporting are graduating from high school this year, and they will be moving to the next level of their studies in the coming year.
What keeps you going with the sponsorships?
It’s incredible watching these girls grow, flourish, and chase their dreams each day. I am also glad to offer that stability in their lives. Most of these kids come from challenging backgrounds, and now they don’t have to worry about going to school and being turned away. For example, one of the girls I sponsor was very shy when we started, but now, she can fully and confidently express herself in English. It’s great to see them grow and come out of their shell.
One of your students, Esther, graduated in 2019 and now works with Moja Tu as a finance controller. How does that make you feel?
I am so proud of Esther. She grew up in a children’s home herself. She is a go-getter and eager to learn new things. The kids love her, and she is a great role model to the other kids in the program and the children’s home she grew up in. When she completed her university studies, we sat down, crafted her resume, and went through some interview questions. Our relationship continues to blossom to date, and we correspond via emails and video calls now and then.
How did you keep your relationship alive during the years you sponsored her and even now that she is no longer a student?
One of the great things about Moja Tu is the correspondence between sponsors and their students. The video calls also offer an excellent opportunity to connect with the students. You get to learn about their lives, the challenges they are going through and offer support. The other thing I would like to highlight about Moja Tu is that while the focus is on education, the organization goes beyond that: they also offer emotional and medical support to students. All these are touchpoints between a sponsor and their students, and they help foster a tight bond.
Why should people give back by sponsoring a child with Moja Tu?
Being able to give back and watching the kids flourish is inspiring. So many of them have potential, and they need financial and moral support to be the best version of themselves. The kids understand that they have to do the hard work, and we are just there to support them and guide them. Education is not accessible in Kenya, especially after eighth grade, and many of the kids’ parents cannot afford that. I have seen the impact of sponsorship on the children I sponsor, and knowing that I played a part in helping these kids achieve their dreams is immensely fulfilling.