Bridget is currently a third-year actuarial science student at Kisii University. When she completed her primary schooling, she passed with flying colors and secured a position at a good high school. Unable to meet the cost of her secondary education, her parents enlisted the help of neighbors who worked to collect enough funds to cover Bridget’s first term.
Once those funds ran out, Bridget risked dropping out of high school. Bridget has so much potential, keeping her in school was extremely important. With her strong potential and needy family background, Bridget was an excellent candidate to join Moja Tu, who quickly found her a sponsor. Bridget did extremely well in high school and was accepted to university, where she is conquering her studies and chasing her dreams.
Bridget says Moja Tu has been an invaluable support system for her. She has also learned essential life lessons such as fearlessness, integrity, and generosity that serve as her guiding light.
“Moja Tu has been of great influence to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my studies unimpeded and being provided with everything that I might need to succeed in my education.”
Education is the key to women’s empowerment. Through it, women gain more opportunities in the workforce, leading to increased income, independence, and lower isolation at home or exclusion from financial decisions. With education, women can live their dreams by pursuing their own goals and values, which Bridget understands well.
“I grew up in a highly patriarchal environment, and I have seen how society treats women, especially the uneducated ones. I am glad that I have had the opportunity to get an education, and I have seen it comes with great respect. Thanks to the exposure I have received, I am also at a much better place when it comes to decision-making. My hope is that every single girl in the world gets the opportunity to chase their dreams through education.”
Bridget joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Month. Being a product of women’s empowerment, Bridget plans to give back and support other women in any way she can. She gets her inspiration from the first African Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai. “I admire her boldness and her relentless push for what she believed was right. Her contribution to Kenya, the world, and the environment will impact generations to come,” says Bridget.
Bridget will be graduating from university the next year, and she reflects back on her journey with Moja Tu, “I feel blessed to be part of Moja Tu, and as I near the finish line of my education, I am eternally grateful for the opportunity. I thank my mother for believing in me as well as Kathy and my sponsors for walking this journey with me.”