In rural Kenya, a determined young girl named Gloria dreamed of a better future. Today, as a proud Moja Tu high school graduate with an impressive A minus, she is stepping confidently into the next chapter of her life, full of hope.
Gloria grew up in an environment where even basic school supplies were a challenge to come by. “As an individual, I had trouble with acquiring basic amenities for school,” she shared. “But with the help of Moja Tu, I was able to have them.” This simple but powerful support became the foundation for a transformative educational journey.
Fuelled by Passion and Perseverance
From an early age, Gloria’s curiosity and love for learning stood out. She enjoyed reading and watching educational content in her free time. Her go-to mantra? “There is no success without failure,” a phrase that shaped her attitude throughout high school.
One strategy that helped her thrive academically was studying alongside students who were stronger in different subjects. This collaborative learning environment encouraged her to push her limits and stay focused. Among her proudest accomplishments was participating in national physics competitions, a testament to her curiosity and academic drive.
Finding Her Footing Through Moja Tu
Gloria first heard about Moja Tu through Sons of Manasseh Children’s Home, where she was staying. What started as an opportunity quickly became a turning point in her life. “My sponsor played a great role in my education by relieving the worry of any finances, thus giving me more attention to my studies,” she explained.
Beyond the financial support, Gloria found a sense of community and confidence within the program. “My best thing about Moja Tu is that it encourages one to keep on learning despite facing challenges,” she said. Whether it was through interacting with fellow candidates or receiving mentorship, Moja Tu became a support system that helped her not just survive high school but also thrive.
“Moja Tu’s support in all fields helped me go through high school without any worries or stress other than focusing on my studies,” she noted.
Building Skills for a Better Tomorrow
Throughout her time with Moja Tu, Gloria developed not only academically but also socially. The program’s emphasis on engagement and community helped her build social skills through interactions with other students. If she could go back, she says she would advise her high school self to interact more with her teachers and to seek out even more opportunities to learn and grow.
When asked what advice she would give to other students considering Moja Tu, she didn’t hesitate:
“Joining Moja Tu is an opportunity, not a privilege. So do everything you can not to lose such an opportunity.”
Looking Ahead
As Gloria prepares to pursue a degree in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nairobi, she carries with her a deep sense of purpose – to care, to heal, and to serve her community in meaningful ways.
In five years, she hopes to be firmly established in the veterinary field, giving back not just to her family and community, but also to Moja Tu, the organization that believed in her when it mattered most.
Gloria’s story is not just about academic success. It’s about resilience, resourcefulness, and recognizing the value of support. She is living proof that with the right opportunities and a bit of belief, even the most challenging circumstances can become a launching pad for greatness.
Want to support a student like Gloria and be part of the journey? Visit www.mojatu.org or email info@mojatu.org to learn more.