Sarah Nathikie, now a second-year Bachelor of Science in Public Health student, once had to accept the reality that completing her education was unlikely. Her parents would often make the difficult choice between feeding their family and paying for education. “My parents could not afford to both feed us and also pay school fees,” she recounts.
In 2017, as Sarah prepared to take her high school entry exams, her life took a transformative turn. “Our school headteacher recommended me for a Moja Tu scholarship as I had excelled in my studies. He was also aware of the financial situation back at home. I submitted the scholarship application, which was followed by an interview with the Moja Tu board to determine my eligibility for the scholarship,” Sarah recalls. “I was excited when I later learned I would receive support for my secondary school education. My dreams were now within reach.”
Moja Tu’s commitment to transforming the lives of bright students from vulnerable backgrounds, such as Sarah, is deeply rewarding for those lucky scholarship recipients. “The organization is committed to supporting bright students from families facing vulnerable conditions, making it one of the best organizations in the world,” she reflects gratefully.
Along with the paid school fees, Moja Tu has paved the way for Sarah’s success by providing additional resources for supplemental studying, and invaluable guidance and counseling sessions, ensuring she has everything possible to help her succeed. Inspired by her experience with Moja Tu, Sarah selected a career in public health with the hope of making a meaningful impact on community well-being and addressing prevalent public health challenges.
Public health, she explains, is centered on promoting and safeguarding the health of communities through disease prevention, healthy lifestyle promotion, and addressing social determinants of health. “In pursuing my public health degree, I’ve acquired crucial skills such as data analysis, epidemiology, and health promotion,” Sarah notes.
Sarah has honed her leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills by engaging in various school projects, including community health research and health promotion initiatives, all of which have deepened her passion for public health. In addition to her coursework, she actively volunteers at health clinics, participates in health education workshops, and engages in community outreach programs.
Looking ahead, Sarah shares her vision, “In five years, I see myself working as a public health professional, contributing to the development and implementation of effective public health policies and programs to improve population health outcomes.” She is so thankful for Moja Tu’s pivotal role in shaping her journey.