Growing up, Alvin understood that education could open doors, but staying in school was not always easy. His family faced financial challenges that made school fees difficult to manage, and basic learning needs such as books, uniforms and meals were not always guaranteed. The possibility of being sent home because of unpaid fees was a constant concern, yet Alvin remained focused on his studies because he believed education could create a better future for him, his family and his community.
“I believed education was the path to a better future for myself, my family, and my community,” he says.
Alvin first learned about Moja Tu through his sister, who had already joined the program after being introduced to it by friends at school. After completing the selection process, Alvin was also accepted and matched with a sponsor who became an important part of his education.
Joining Moja Tu gave him the stability he needed to focus on learning. Support with school fees, books and other educational needs eased the pressure he had carried for years. Just as importantly, the mentorship and encouragement he received helped him grow in confidence, overcome his shyness and strengthen his communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
“Knowing that people believed in me gave me the confidence to believe in myself,” Alvin says.
Finding His Path in Surveying
When Alvin joined university, he entered a more demanding academic environment that required greater discipline and independence. He chose to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Surveying Technology, a field that combines technical knowledge, analysis and practical problem-solving.
The course gave him the opportunity to understand how land is measured, mapped and managed, as well as how surveying supports planning, construction and development. Although university came with its own pressures, Alvin remained committed to completing his studies and preparing for a career in the field.
For him, earning a degree represents more than an academic achievement. It reflects the years he spent working through uncertainty, the sacrifices made by his family, and the support of people who chose to invest in his potential.
Putting Knowledge into Practice
Alvin is currently undertaking his industrial attachment in Eldoret town. He began in July and is still in the early stages, but the experience is already helping him connect what he learned in class with professional practice.
“My attachment involves more office work than fieldwork,” he explains. “I spend most of my time doing computations, drawings, and analysis.”
One of the most important lessons so far has been understanding how survey computations relate to the actual conditions on the ground. He has also started learning the procedures involved in land subdivision, giving him a clearer view of how technical decisions are made and documented in practice.
“So far, I have learned more about computations and how they relate to the ground, as well as the procedures involved in the subdivision of land,” Alvin says. “I only started recently, so I know I will acquire more skills with time.”
The attachment is giving him a better appreciation of the precision required in his profession. Every calculation, drawing, and analysis has a direct bearing on the quality of the final work, and Alvin is learning to approach each task with patience and attention to detail.
Looking Ahead
As Alvin prepares for the next stage of his life, he hopes to build a successful career in surveying and continue developing his technical skills. He also wants to use what he learns to contribute to his community and, in time, support other students who face the same barriers he once did.
“Moja Tu did not just help me stay in school,” he says. “Moja Tu gave me the opportunity to pursue my education with confidence and to believe that I could achieve my goals.”
For Alvin, the meaning of Moja Tu, “Just One,” is deeply personal. One sponsor, one opportunity, and one community of support helped make his education possible. That support gave him room to grow, but it was Alvin’s discipline, resilience and willingness to keep learning that carried him forward.
His message to other students is grounded in his own experience: “Challenges may be part of your journey, but they do not have to define your future. Keep believing in yourself, embrace opportunities and continue working towards your dreams.”
Today, Alvin is not only completing his degree. He is learning how to apply his knowledge, opportunities, and confidence to enter his profession and is preparing to shape a future that once felt uncertain.