The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, celebrated on the 17th day of October, is designated to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries.
Moja Tu seeks to break the poverty cycle in Kenya by providing young children with education that will equip them to develop the skills and knowledge to get good jobs, and to improve their lives as well as those of their families and community.
Since it’s inception in 2014, hundreds of children have passed through Moja Tu’s hands. As we speak, a number of the sponsored students from needy backgrounds are already in gainful employment. Edwin Nyandieka and Esther Kitheka are testament of this. Esther and Edwin grew up at the Sons of Manasseh Children’s Home.
Edwin’s story
In July 2019, Edwin graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics from Kenyatta University. Since joining the program in 2015, Edwin has grown into a responsible young man, serving as an incredible example to the younger students in our program.
“I vividly remember the day that I was told I would be sponsored through my university education. Getting this news rekindled all my dreams, goals and aspirations. Just a few months later, I was admitted to Kenyatta University to pursue a degree in Economics and Statistics,” he reminisces.
At the end of 2019 and after trying his hands at a few jobs, Edwin was offered a banking job at Housing Finance Bank – one of the premier banks in Kenya. He uses his experience to empower those behind him.
“Having grown up at Sons of Manasseh Children’s Home, I am a mentor to the young ones at the home. I also assist the management of the home in coordination of activities. Additionally, I volunteer with the President’s Award Kenya. At Moja Tu, besides being a team lead, I mentor those still in school and in me, they are assured of a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear,” Edwin asserts.
Esther’s story
Esther’s story is similar to Edwin’s. Coming from a poor background, Esther had to deal with poverty and societal gender bias especially when it comes to education. Though we live in the 21st century, there are those that still believe that educating a girl child is a waste of money. Esther has proven that when given a level playing field, girls can perform as good as boys if not better.
Esther joined Moja Tu when she was in high school and we have seen her transition to university and eventually into the job market. Esther, who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance, currently works with the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning. It is imperative to note that Esther is the first female student in the program to graduate from university. She is indeed a pacesetter as a number of our female students are currently pursing various degree courses in university.
“Since I grew up in a children’s home, I mostly go there to mentor the younger kids who are still in high school and primary school on how to make a better life for themselves through education. I also help in organizing events at the home and receiving visitors and donors. Whenever I get a chance, I tutor the students on subjects they find hard at school. Though I am not able to spend as much time I used to before with the kids, I always buy them lots of candy when I get a chance to visit them. And I always feel so happy to see how excited they are whenever I go home. My greatest dream is to see each one of them be happy and grow to become resourceful people in the society,” says Esther.
These are but two stories that go to show the impact Moja Tu has on the lives of the students in the program, their families and communities.
During this COVID-19 season, Moja Tu, understanding that all our students hail from poor backgrounds, moved in swiftly to cushion them and their families from the adverse effects of the pandemic. To this end, Moja Tu distributed food items and other essentials including sanitizers.
As we celebrate this day, we thank friends of Moja Tu including sponsors and donors for being part of this journey. We are because of you!