Every year, several exceptional Moja Tu students graduate from high school and move up to the next level of their studies. Though they come from many different backgrounds and have different trajectories in mind, they all share one common goal: to graduate from college or university and put their knowledge and skills to work. This year, we had over ten students join various institutions of higher learning to pursue courses that will eventually lead them to their desired careers. We had a chat with a few of these hardworking students, and this is what they had to say:
Samuel
Bachelor of Science in Radiography
Samuel is a first-year student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Radiography. He says joining the university has been a dream come true, and he is excited to pursue a course that he is passionate about.
“I chose this course due to my interest in working in the medical field. I want to improve healthcare in Kenya,” Samuel says. “Adjusting to university life has been both fun and challenging. Still, Moja Tu made the transition manageable by paying my school fees, giving me a laptop to help with my online classes, and providing me with upkeep.”
“After graduating from high school, I could see how many of my peers were struggling to find the money to enable them to join university. And currently, in school, those without laptops are finding it hard to catch up with online classes and do assignments. So I don’t take it for granted that I have all my needs catered for, and the best way to give back to the organization is to focus on my studies and be a good person,” he says.
Being in a new environment comes with its share of challenges, and for Samuel, the course he is taking is no walk in the park. “I have several units, and each unit is as demanding as they come. Nevertheless, as they say, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. So, I will fight it out to the end,” he says assertively.
Samuel aspires to gain knowledge in the medical field and help cure diseases that threaten human existence. His mentors are Dr. Ogutu and Dr. Malik, who are the only consultant radiographers in his hometown of Nakuru, and he hopes to follow in their footsteps.
“This is also an opportunity for me to break the chains of poverty that have afflicted my family for many generations,” he reveals.
Esther
Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management
Esther is a student at the Technical University of Kenya, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Travel Management. Esther reveals she chose this course because she loves nature and traveling. She is excited about this new chapter in her life and happy to learn more about tourism in school. She says her transition to university has been fascinating and fulfilling. She adds that Moja Tu made the transition much more manageable by paying her school fees, providing her with a laptop essential during her online classes, and giving her an upkeep allowance.
Esther was recently appointed as a representative of her class. “One thing I like about Moja Tu is the fact that they instill leadership qualities in us. We are always reminded to be responsible, mindful of others, and people of integrity. We are also encouraged to seize opportunities, so when the class rep position came up, I took the initiative and decided to run for the position. This is an opportunity for me to practice my leadership skills,” she says excitedly.
Esther’s goals include finishing her studies within the appointed time, graduating with good grades, and acquiring skills related to her field of study. she concludes.
Patricia
Bachelor of Education Arts (English & Literature)
Patricia is a first-year student at Moi University, pursuing a Bachelor of Education Arts (English and Literature). She chose this course because she has always been passionate about teaching others.
She described her transition from high school to university as “a massive step in my life towards achieving my goals. I don’t have the words to explain what a blessing Moja Tu has been to me. I have received financial, mental, and emotional support ever since I joined the program, and it is this support that has helped me thrive in many aspects of my life,” she discloses.
Patricia explains that her biggest challenge was adjusting to the new system of learning, which is different from high school, but she has been coping well. She hopes to finish with first-class honors in her course and be a great teacher who will guide students in their academic and personal development.
“I am the first one in my family to join university, and I want to inspire my siblings to follow in my footsteps. I also want to bring lasting change in my community and inspire parents to invest in their children’s education, no matter their gender,” she asserts as we conclude.