At Moja Tu, every student’s journey tells a story of resilience, opportunity, and impact. Joshua, one of our proud alumni, is a true example of how education and mentorship can transform lives. Today, he is a professional chef working at Tamarind Group of Hotels, one of Kenya’s most prestigious hospitality establishments. But his journey began humbly, with a dream and the support of Moja Tu.
Joshua’s story with Moja Tu started in 2013, just after he had completed his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE). Although he had passed his exams, financial constraints stood in the way of him joining secondary school. That’s when Moja Tu stepped in, alongside his sponsor, Laura Hearn. Their support carried him through high school and eventually university, opening doors he once thought were out of reach.
“Thanks to my sponsor, Laura Hearn, for everything throughout my secondary and university level,” Joshua says with gratitude.
In university, Joshua pursued a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Management, a path that aligned perfectly with his passion. His inspiration for the hospitality industry began back in high school during cooking classes. He often excelled in those sessions, sparking the realization that he had both the skill and the passion to pursue a culinary career. “I used to top most of the time, so I realized I can do it,” Joshua recalls. That spark eventually grew into a clear vision for his future.
After graduating, Joshua stepped into the professional world at the Tamarind Group of Hotels. Here, he quickly discovered that working in a professional kitchen was very different from classroom learning. “My biggest learning experience is that when joining the industry, there is always a lot one has to learn since the kitchen is way too different from classwork and theory. One has to be humble, maintain one’s composure, and absorb knowledge,” he explains. This humility and eagerness to learn enabled him to thrive in an environment where teamwork, discipline, and adaptability are essential.
But beyond building his own career, Joshua is passionate about mentoring current Moja Tu students who are interested in hospitality. He believes in preparing the next generation to take full advantage of the opportunities before them. “Moja Tu won’t support us forever; some have to leave, and others will come in. My advice is to use the golden opportunity wisely, give your 100%, and leave the rest to God,” he shares.
His advice to aspiring hospitality students is simple but powerful: “Be humble, positive, watch and learn. Absorb knowledge from the seniors you find in the industry. Create connections, and if you don’t have a job at the moment, volunteer yourself somewhere. Skills in the industry keep changing every day — learn something new each day if possible.”
For Joshua, mentorship has been life-changing, helping him build confidence and believe in himself. Now, he hopes his mentees gain not just technical knowledge but also resilience, professionalism, and faith in their own journeys. Looking ahead, his vision is to work in the cruise industry, where he can nurture his career, gain global exposure, and bring new knowledge back home.
Through it all, Joshua remains deeply connected to Moja Tu. Giving back through mentorship is his way of honoring the support he received. His story is a testament to how education and opportunity can create a ripple effect — one that begins with a single student and extends to future generations.