ESTHER’S INSPIRING STORY
In May of this year, Esther was formally hired as a full-time accountant for Moja Tu. What makes this appointment special is that Esther was once a student sponsored by the program. Her story highlights the organization’s impact on the lives of children from impoverished backgrounds and the potential such children can achieve when given an opportunity.
Esther graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance from Kenyatta University. During her tenure at university, Esther assisted Moja Tu with finance work, balancing books, and making payments. This experience, along with her degree, led Esther to be offered a full-time accounting position with Moja Tu.
How was the transition from student to employee for Esther?
“Very gratifying. I can’t think of a better way of giving back to the program. I have learned and grown both professionally and intellectually. Moja Tu, I believe, gave me wings and taught me how to fly. In addition, during my time as a student, I got an opportunity to be mentored, so my transition from school to employment was quite smooth,” she says, adding that she first worked with Kenya’s Ministry of Lands and Planning as an accountant before making the switch to Moja Tu.
Esther considers generosity one of the fundamental principles she acquired while working with Moja Tu. She explained how fulfilling it is to give back. She has also learned better time management and organization skills. “Another virtue that I have learned throughout my participation in the program is the value of hard work.”
For Esther, one of the most fulfilling aspects of her new job is the opportunity to watch the life transformations of hundreds of children. Because she has experienced firsthand the benefits Moja Tu offers, she is committed to ensuring that funds are optimized for the benefit of all students in the program.
She hopes to expand her knowledge and expertise to become one of the country’s top professional accountants. She also hopes that her story will inspire young people in Africa to appreciate the value of education and that when given a chance to pursue it, they will put their best foot forward.
What’s her driving force? “I grew up in an orphanage, and for the longest time, I’ve been surrounded by loved ones. I was the eldest girl at the home where I grew up, and also with Moja Tu, I was the first girl to enroll in university and subsequently the first female university graduate. So, all my life, I have had the responsibility of being a role model. I cannot fail them.”
Her rapport with the students is excellent, and she inspires them to work hard in their academics to attain their goals, just as she has.
Esther’s words of wisdom for those students she mentors, “Uphold the three Moja Tu core values, i.e., generosity, integrity, and fearlessness, and you will go far in life. I worked hard, stayed focused, believed in myself, fought my fears, and contributed to the program and the community. Do the same, and you’ll soon see there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.”