Student Success Stories

Morris

Alumni

Morris recently graduated from university, marking the culmination of years of determination and perseverance. His journey wasn’t easy—after having to repeat his final year of school to improve his grades for a degree, he fell short of the required marks. Instead of giving up, Morris decided to start with a diploma and work his way up from there. It took him a solid 10 years to finally graduate, but throughout this time, his sponsors’ unwavering support kept him going—a gift he deeply appreciates.

Looking back, Morris is grateful he never gave up, even when his educational future seemed uncertain. He attended a day school located more than six kilometers from his home, a daily walk that was exhausting and disheartening. Despite his best efforts, the long journey took a toll on his studies, creating significant challenges. Moja Tu’s support came at just the right time, becoming the saving grace Morris needed to stay on track.

“I joined Moja Tu through my God-given talent, which was athletics,” Morris reflects. His story took a pivotal turn when he had the opportunity to go for morning jogs with one of the sponsors visiting his school for an unrelated project. During their conversation, Morris shared his struggles and aspirations, particularly his dream of attending university if only he had financial support.

The sponsor, moved by Morris’s determination, encouraged him to reach out via email after completing high school.  When he finished high school, he faced disappointment as his grades fell short of university entry requirements, but he never gave up. He wrote to his sponsors and requested a chance to repeat his grade. To his immense relief, the sponsor agreed, and Morris seized the opportunity to improve his grades and ultimately secure a place at college. He joined Mount Kenya University and earned a Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management. After completing his diploma, his sponsors also agreed to support him to get a degree in the same course.

“The support I received from Moja Tu was comprehensive, addressing all my educational needs and providing me with a smooth academic journey, largely due to my sponsor’s unwavering encouragement,” he shares.

Morris recently graduated from university and is now embarking on an exciting new chapter with Priority Wild Safaris, where he has secured an internship that aligns perfectly with his academic background and career aspirations.

He says he is gaining invaluable experience in his field of study, further preparing him for a bright future. He cherishes the life lessons he has learned along the way: “Some of the life lessons I have acquired from Moja Tu include always believing in myself when no one else did and working hard because it always pays off.”

Looking ahead, Morris envisions a future where he owns a tour and travel company and uses his success to give back to the community that supported him. His aspirations are driven by a deep desire to positively impact lives, echoing the support he received from Moja Tu.

Though words may fall short, he wishes to convey his heartfelt thanks to the Moja Tu family, particularly his sponsors. “You may never change the world, but you have changed the world for one person—me,” he says, a testament to the power of generosity and belief in the potential of others.

Caleb

University

Meet Caleb Mwaura, a final-year student with a passion for architecture and a heart for community development. Caleb joined the Moja Tu family in 2016 with the support of his sponsor, Samuel Halloum, who has been instrumental in his journey. His academic career has been fueled by a deep fascination with the built environment and a strong desire to leave a lasting, positive impact through sustainable design. Caleb shares his experiences, challenges, and aspirations as an architecture student.

“I’ve always been intrigued by how spaces influence human interaction, and I wanted to contribute to shaping these spaces,” he shares. From a young age, Caleb was drawn to art and design, and architecture offered the perfect blend of creativity and practicality. “The ability to bring a concept to life, from sketches to fully realized structures, is what truly inspired me to pursue this field.”

He speaks highly of Moja Tu’s transformative impact on his life. “Moja Tu provided the support system I needed to focus on my studies without worrying about financial constraints,” he explains. Beyond academics, the organization has fostered his personal growth, instilling values of hard work, responsibility, and giving back to the community. The relationships he’s built through Moja Tu have shaped his leadership and collaboration skills, preparing him for professional and personal challenges.

Caleb’s top interests are sustainable architecture and minimalistic design. “Sustainable architecture excites me because it offers the chance to innovate while considering environmental impacts,” he explains. He is fascinated by how buildings can reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and contribute to a healthier planet. Minimalistic design appeals to his love for simplicity, showing how impactful spaces can be created using fewer elements.

One of Caleb’s proudest accomplishments was facilitating the building of a farmhouse for a Moja Tu alumni – Kelvin Mwirigi. “I was so honored that Moja Tu entrusted me with the responsibility to facilitate the building of Mwirigi’s farmhouse – it was a small one-bedroom house made of iron sheets and insulated for thermal efficiency. The project was completed successfully through careful planning, problem-solving, and collaboration,” he says, adding that the project taught him valuable lessons such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork that will serve him well in his future career.

Caleb aspires to specialize in sustainable architecture and community-focused design. “I want to create spaces that not only look beautiful but also contribute to environmental sustainability and improve the quality of life for the people who use them,” he explains. His long-term goal is to address housing and infrastructure needs in underprivileged communities, using his architectural skills to make a meaningful difference.

In the next five to 10 years, Caleb aims to establish his own architectural firm specializing in sustainable design. On a personal level, he hopes to continue growing, learning, and contributing to causes he’s passionate about, like community development and environmental sustainability. “I also plan to mentor young architects, just as I have been mentored,” he adds.

As he steps into the next phase of his career, it’s clear that his architectural vision and commitment to sustainability will leave a lasting legacy and we are here for it!

Joshua

Alumni

Joshua’s story is about resilience, determination, and a passion for food. In 2012, Joshua and his brothers were surrendered by their struggling family to the Tania Integrated Rehabilitation Center. It was there that his life took a turn for the better.

“After arriving at Tania Center, I took my high school entry exams, and performed well. I tested at the top of my class; however, rather than celebrating, I was disappointed when I realized I would not be able to attend high school because of lack of funds,” he says.

At the same time Joshua was completing his exams, some volunteers from a non-profit organization were at Tania Center helping dig water wells for underprivileged communities. One of these volunteers was Kathy Kempff. After hearing about Joshua’s dashed education goals, Kathy decided to finance his education. It was because of this decision that Moja Tu was born. Joshua quickly received a sponsor, Laura Sussman, and the two instantly hit it off.

The Moja Tu sponsorship provided Joshua with all the support he needed to succeed, and he did not disappoint. He describes his time with Moja Tu as one of the best experiences of his life, particularly the memorable get-togethers between sponsors and students. He says Moja Tu’s support extended beyond academics; it helped shape his career aspirations.

Joshua’s interest in culinary arts began in high school, where he excelled in his home science class. His passion for cooking was further solidified during his time at university. He participated in an attachment (internship) at the Reef Hotel, and his hard work impressed the executive chef, who offered Joshua a part-time job and encouraged him to pursue his dream of becoming a chef.

“I immersed myself in the profession, and when a friend told me about an apprenticeship program at the Tamarind Group of Hotels, I did not hesitate to apply despite the program’s intensity and lack of initial salary,” he shares.

His dedication paid off once again as he became the top student in the program, which earned him a coveted position at the Tamarind Mombasa, a renowned seafood restaurant.

As a commis (assistant) chef, Joshua works under a station chef, helping ensure their part of the kitchen runs smoothly. His day begins by prepping his station, checking ingredients, and preparing everything for service. He credits his success to his unwavering work ethic and ability to solve challenges.

Joshua’s journey from being awarded a sponsorship with Moja Tu to becoming a commis chef at one of the leading hotels in Kenya, has been one of immense personal growth. He is indebted to his sponsor, Laura Sussman, Kathy from Moja Tu, and his mother for their unwavering support.

Joshua’s goals are ambitious. Before opening his own restaurant, he plans to work in the cruise industry to gain new skills and knowledge. He’s particularly interested in mastering Chinese, Japanese, and Indian cuisines, alongside his love for grilling.

Joshua’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the support of Moja Tu. It’s a story that inspires us to keep chasing our dreams, no matter the challenges.

Joyce

University

Before joining Moja Tu, Joyce’s education hung by a thread. Despite her hard work in school, she often felt like giving up, as the dream of attending high school seemed unattainable. Her mother struggled to provide basic school necessities, like books and pens. There was no way she could afford to take Joyce to high school. “It was really a struggle,” Joyce recalls.

By a stroke of luck, a Moja Tu representative visited her school, seeking bright students from poor backgrounds to interview for the program. Joyce was one of the chosen students, passing the interview and joining Moja Tu after her primary exit exams in 2019.

With Moja Tu’s support, Joyce enrolled at TumuTumu Girls, a revered girls’ high school in Kenya. The organization provided all her school requirements, including fees, shopping, and revision books. This support allowed her to focus solely on her studies, leading to a strong B+ in her high school exit exams.

“I am happy that all the efforts paid off,” she says, reflecting on her achievements. Her dream of becoming a doctor is now within reach. In September, she will be joining Kenya Methodist University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine and Community Health. This will not only fulfill her passion for caring for the sick but also make her the first medical officer in her village.

Throughout her time in the program, Joyce has learned the power of generosity and the importance of making wise decisions. These lessons have been crucial in her journey. Her excellent performance and discipline led her former school to invite her back as a peer teacher and a mentor to young girls. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, allowing her to work with students at different academic levels, develop teamwork skills, and improve her communication abilities, significantly boosting her confidence.

Joyce is on her way to making her dreams come true and inspiring others in her community. And Moja Tu will walk that journey with her. “I have learned so much from this program, and I am excited to give back and support others just like Moja Tu has supported me,” she says.

Joseph

University

Joseph Kyengo, a spirited 19-year-old, has defied the odds. He recently completed his high school education with an impressive B+. Now he stands on the threshold of university life, ready to chase his passions, and his journey is nothing short of remarkable.

Born into a modest background, Joseph faced the harsh reality of financial constraints at an early age. Life’s challenges threatened to dim his educational prospects, but Joseph refused to yield. He found solace in books, even when the future appeared grim. Then his father passed on.

“My father’s death from an unknown illness turned our world upside down, crashing whatever little hope we had in life,” he shares. “My mother, a casual laborer, couldn’t afford school fees for my siblings and I. We relocated to the rural area where my paternal grandparents lived.”

Joseph’s path was strewn with obstacles. Inadequate fees led to frequent expulsions from school. Undeterred, he rolled up his sleeves and worked alongside his mother on people’s farms to support the family. But hope was renewed in an unexpected place – Dream Children’s Home, one of our partner children’s homes. There, Joseph found a nurturing environment that fueled his determination. His hard work paid off, and he excelled in elementary education.

Despite his success in his primary school exit exams, high school remained elusive due to financial strain until Moja Tu came into the picture. During a sponsor visit to Kenya, Joseph shared his story, and the stars aligned. Cliff Kaplan, his sponsor, became more than a benefactor; he became Joseph’s inspiration. “Cliff made me believe in greatness,” Joseph beams.

Joseph’s gratitude knows no bounds. Moja Tu opened the doors, and Cliff, his sponsor, held them wide. Now, as Joseph steps into university, he carries their legacy. With unwavering zeal, he vows to excel, proving that dreams can indeed defy circumstances.

Joseph’s journey continues, and we’re cheering him on.

Maureen

University

Maureen did not get high enough grades to secure a place at the university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Her academic career, however, would not end here. She carried on and enrolled in a diploma course at a local university. Knowing this was the second chance she desperately needed, she worked hard in school. Her diligence paid off, as she was consistently one of the top students in her class and graduated with distinction.

All this time, she had her eyes set on attaining a bachelor’s degree; she understood how competitive the job market is and how she would struggle to get a job without this degree. Once she graduated with her diploma, she approached her sponsors, requesting if they could fund her bachelor’s studies.

“They agreed, and I couldn’t be happier,” she says.

Her exemplary performance and good behavior stood in her good stead. Before joining Moja Tu, she often wondered if she would ever finish high school, let alone join university. She was always sent home for lack of school fees because her single mother couldn’t afford to pay the fees and fend for their family. She admits that the on-and-off appearances at school were getting frustrating, and she almost gave up. She also had no one to look up to, as no one in her family had made it to university.

“Life changed when I got the sponsorship. Every day that passes, I am grateful that I went and said hi to the sponsors when they visited our school while I was still in high school. That was where I was fortunate enough to meet my sponsors, Uhuru and Christie,” says the 21-year-old, who adds that she gained a new support system and family through Moja Tu.

This year, Maureen will be celebrating her seventh anniversary in Moja Tu, which she is pleased about. Her relationship with her sponsors has blossomed over the years thanks to the letter exchanges and video calls. Her sponsors have also visited the country together with their children, where they were able to further cement their relationship.

Maureen, who graduated with a criminology and security studies diploma last year, is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree in the same. She is looking forward to expanding her knowledge and experience in the field.

“My sponsors and the organization have been very supportive. I have never lacked. I also joined the mentorship program that helped me boost my confidence and become more involved in life, as I was always shy and had low self-esteem. Moja Tu has been such a big blessing in my life, and I am grateful for everything,” she concludes.

Felix

Alumni

If you had asked Felix when he completed primary school if he would ever graduate from university, he would have said to ask a more realistic question! Thanks to Moja Tu’s sponsorship, his hard work, and his commitment, Felix now holds a bachelor’s degree and a diploma. He shares his educational journey with us:

“My name is Felix Mwonga. I am 26 years old, and I come from Makueni, in the eastern part of Kenya. I joined Moja Tu in 2014, just after my primary school education. Before joining Moja Tu, I was preparing to enroll in high school, but my parents could not afford my school fees. So, I began working casual labor in my home area to try and raise money for my school fees. At a meager $1 per day of pay, I was a long way from my goal. The money was not even enough to cover transportation to school.

Around that time, Moja Tu visited my region, seeking students from disadvantaged backgrounds for educational sponsorship. When I heard about it from a family friend, I quickly sent in my application and met them. I was determined to get the scholarship because I knew that was the only way I could attend high school.

I was accepted into the program, and life has never been the same! I instantly acquired a new family that genuinely cared for my well-being. I have also made friendships to last a lifetime and will never forget the support of my sponsors.

I am most grateful to Kathy and my sponsors, Abbey and James, for their unconditional love and support. Thanks to the video calls and mentorship sessions, I have gained valuable knowledge and am now a more informed graduate.

I graduated in November with a bachelor’s degree in Business Information Technology with the plan to become a network administrator and consultant. I am so happy to have finally graduated with my degree, which is something I didn’t think possible a few short years ago. I initially earned a diploma (2-year program), and then my sponsors graciously continued supporting me so I could earn my bachelor’s degree. For this, I am forever grateful.

My goal is to open a cyber cafe in my town that would provide local youth with an opportunity to learn computer skills. With the right skills, the opportunities are limitless. Hopefully, the cyber cafe can eventually develop into a computer college. Currently, I am interning at one of the leading hospitals in Kenya, The Aga Khan University Hospital, where I help hospital staff with IT issues.

I want to again share my appreciation to Abbey and James Tootle, James Anderson, Kathy and Michael, and the Moja Tu staff, who have been my greatest inspiration and support system. Long live Moja Tu.”

Prudence

Alumni

Prudence, 23, is a proud Moja Tu alum. She joined the program in 2015 after losing sponsorship with another organization due to circumstances beyond her control. Her family background and her drive for education made her a natural pick for Moja Tu sponsorship.

Moja Tu supported her from high school until college, where she graduated with a degree in hospitality management. She currently works in the hotel industry, and seeing her living her dream is inspiring.

“I was raised by a single mum who was jobless at the time. She struggled to feed us, put a roof over our heads, and send us to school. At one point, she had to choose feeding us over educating us. I was on the verge of dropping out of school, and there was nothing much I could do about it,” she recalls.

She was saddened by the situation because she really wanted to go to school. When she heard about Moja Tu, she was filled with the hope of continuing her studies uninterrupted. She eventually got the scholarship, which helped ease the burden at home, so her mother could now focus on caring for the family.

“When I say Moja Tu was God sent, I mean it. I returned to school, and the program equipped me with texts books to help with my studies. I then went to college, where I pursued a diploma in hospitality. I was happy since it was my dream career, and now I am living my dream as a hotelier,” she reveals.

Prudence adds that Moja Tu programs, such as video calls with sponsors and mentorship, helped boost her confidence.

“I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been exposed to numerous opportunities. Before joining Moja Tu, I was shy and struggled with low self-esteem. As I became part of Moja Tu, I learned to be confident and articulate from the one-on-one calls I had with my sponsor,” she says and adds that this proved helpful when she joined the job market as she interacts with many people in her line of work. Sometimes she is required to speak in front of crowds.

“I would love to show my appreciation to my sponsors for paying for my fees and supporting me, Kathy for always encouraging me, and the Moja Tu family for giving me another family, unconditional love, and immense growth. I don’t know what I’d give to show my gratitude, but I consider this the greatest part of my life as it molded me into a responsible and productive youth. Asante sana Moja Tu,” Prudence shares.

Joseph

university

Joseph Kinuthia is a fourth-year student at Chuka University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History. He comes from a humble background, and he is the only one of his family’s four children to have had the opportunity to attend high school. His siblings had to drop out of school due to his parent’s inability to pay their fees. The opportunity for Joseph to attend high school and now university would not have been possible without the help of Moja Tu.

“The kind gesture from my sponsor and Moja Tu, in general, has made me develop the virtue of kindness. In school, I try as much as possible to help students who are stuck academically. With Moja Tu, I am always available to lend a hand whenever I am needed,” he says, adding that, for now, that is his small way of giving back.

“Knowing the importance of education and having experienced firsthand the generosity of a kind sponsor, I would like to pay it forward in the near future by sponsoring a student from a disadvantaged background.”

Joseph understands that sponsorship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he makes sure that he puts it to good use. As such, he is working towards attaining good grades in school, and so far, so good! He also applied to be a part of the Moja Tu mentorship program that seeks to empower students to focus on their studies while navigating life’s issues. He reveals that coping with challenges is his biggest takeaway from the mentorship sessions. “It has also helped me develop my communication and interpersonal skills that will come in handy when I eventually join the job market in a few months to come. I am also more confident,” he elaborates.

Joseph’s dream is to work as a business development manager. “Moja Tu has been instrumental in helping me move closer to my dreams by sponsoring my education and giving me hope and courage through the mentorship program to achieve my dreams.”

Coming from an impoverished background, Joseph says he would like to address the issue of poverty in his community. He will use the economics skills he gains in school to teach his community entrepreneurial skills and emphasize the need to educate children. Drawing from his experience, he attests that education helps to improve one’s quality of life and wants every child in his village to go to school. Since charity begins at home, he has vowed to enroll his siblings in artisan courses once he gets a job. “This will help them to secure blue-collar jobs that are very much in demand.”

As he winds down his university studies, Joseph is grateful to his sponsor and Moja Tu for keeping the promise to see him through high school and university. “I am prepared for the job market. I went for my internship in my third year, which helped me gather relevant experience and prepare me for the world of work. I would like to thank everyone who made this possible,” he says.

Students like Joseph are chasing their dreams with the help of a generous sponsor. All Moja Tu programs include life skills and job readiness skills. This helps ensure that graduating students like Joseph have the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to land a good job and eventually break the cycle of poverty in their families and community.

Please help us reach more students with the life-changing gift of education by donating to Moja Tu today.