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.