For Lawrence Muia, education was never guaranteed. It was a hope he had to fight for.
Raised in Nairobi, Lawrence attended a local church school where learning was valued but often interrupted by hardship. Unpaid school fees, worn-out uniforms, and limited access to revision materials were part of his daily reality. Many students in his position quietly give up. Lawrence did not.
“I did not give up because I had a strong urge to build a better future for myself and my family,” he says. “That is what drove me every single day.”
Even in the middle of uncertainty, Lawrence understood one thing clearly: education was his way forward. Not just for his own success, but for his parents, his siblings, and everyone who believed in him.
When Support Changed Everything
Lawrence’s turning point came when he joined Moja Tu, an opportunity he learned about through his elder brother. For him, it felt bigger than sponsorship. It felt like hope arriving at exactly the right moment.
“I saw it as a prayer answered and a far better beginning for me in terms of my studies,” Lawrence shares.
Through Moja Tu and the support of his sponsors, Michelle and Steve, Lawrence received full school fees, termly shopping, and consistent access to revision materials. For the first time, he had stability. And with that stability came focus.
“This greatly motivated me to read,” he explains. “I knew I could only return the favor by working hard and being excellent in academics.”
Moja Tu did more than remove financial barriers. The organization became a steady guide in Lawrence’s journey, ensuring he had what he needed and reminding him that he was not walking alone.
Staying Focused When Pressure Hit
High school came with new challenges. Strong personalities, peer pressure, and heavy workloads tested Lawrence’s discipline. There were moments when the pressure felt overwhelming. But he stayed grounded by remembering where he came from and who was counting on him.
“I was able to maintain my focus knowing my background and the people who looked up to me,” he says. His motivation went beyond grades. He wanted to set an example for his younger sibling and make his parents proud.
One of the most powerful sources of strength for Lawrence was the relationship he built with his sponsors. Their encouragement, consistent communication, and belief in him made him feel seen not just as a student but as a young person with real potential.
Excellence Earned, Not Given
Lawrence’s discipline, consistency, and support paid off in a remarkable way. He emerged as one of Moja Tu’s top-performing students nationally, earning an A grade in his KCSE examinations. The moment he received his results is one he will never forget.
“It was a moment of relief,” Lawrence recalls. “I was ecstatic after knowing I had done well since all my hard work and efforts did not go to waste.”
For his family, the results meant more than academic success. They represented open doors, renewed hope, and the promise of a different future.
Looking Ahead and Giving Back
As Lawrence prepares for university, his dreams are already taking flight. He plans to pursue a career in aviation, inspired by a lifelong fascination with planes.
“I have always had a passion for planes,” he says. “I believe I now have the capacity to ensure developments and improvements are realized in that sector.”
Beyond personal achievement, Lawrence is determined to give back. He wants to support students who face the same challenges he once did and prove that background does not define destiny.
“I want to be an inspiration to others who think their futures are limited by where they come from,” he says.
Grateful and reflective, Lawrence sums up his story simply. “I thank Moja Tu for stretching out a helping hand and being part of my success story.”
With Moja Tu as a guide and education as the tool, Lawrence turned uncertainty into excellence and opened the door to a future once thought impossible.