At Moja Tu, we are intentional about recognizing, celebrating, and nurturing outstanding students, be it in academics, creative arts or athletics. We fondly refer to them as Moja Tu rising stars. These are students who make things happen, are highly committed to achieving goals, innovate rapidly, and create a great deal of value when their talent is spotted and harnessed. Today we’d like to focus on students who’ve shown significant commitment to their studies and are thus reaping from their efforts. Meet the Moja Tu academic giants.
John
John is a bright young boy with a lot of self-drive. When schools were closed to curb the spread of Covid-19, John used to study while at home. Thankfully, Moja Tu had provided him with study materials that he put to good use.
“When schools reopened, I didn’t struggle to catch up like the other students as I had been studying at home. We did opener exams immediately after we returned to school, and it was clear who read during the holidays and who didn’t. I topped my class,” he says elatedly.
John is currently in form three, and his goal is to score an A when he finally sits for the high school exit exams next year. “I have noted my weaknesses in some subjects, and I’m putting in more efforts to improve in them,” he tells us.
Being part of the larger Moja Tu program helps him to focus. “I am grateful for having Moja Tu as my family because I have grown in aspects I never imagined. For instance, I used to have self-esteem issues in the past, and through the counseling sessions and talks we had during the holiday breaks, I have learned to be confident and believe in myself. As a result, I am now able to speak in public without being shy and anxious,” he explains.
Anastacia
Anastacia is a brilliant 18-year-old girl. She will be sitting for the secondary exit exams in March next year, and she can hardly wait. Her school performance has been outstanding throughout high school – she managed to score a strong B+ in the last exam, and she’s putting in more effort to perform even better. “My favorite subject is science, it makes a lot of sense to me and comes easier than other subjects. I score straight A’s in all my science related courses,” she reveals.
Currently, Anastacia is reading A Doll’s House, which will be tested in the national exams. “I find the book very interesting, and it reminds me of the struggle women have gone through to liberate themselves from patriarchy. It also makes me appreciate organizations such as Moja Tu that seeks to empower children through education without being gender-biased,” she says.
Speaking of which, Anastacia says she has seen her classmates being sent home for school fees, and she is grateful that the organization handles all her educational needs. “I am working to maximize the time I have in school, especially now that I’m at the final lap of high school. I am aiming at getting an A grade and eventually pursue a career in STEM,” Anastacia says.
Purity
At Graceland Girls High School, where Purity is pursuing her studies, the school has high hopes for her strong performance in the high school exit exams and to shine a light on their school. Purity joined the school four years ago and has been consistently scoring high grades. Purity is currently in her final year and is hopeful she will deliver excellent results, and we have no doubt she will.
“Being in a good school and having study materials readily available have played a major role in my performance. I don’t know where I would be if Moja Tu hadn’t come to my aid. Now I am empowered to maximize my potential,” she reveals.
Purity unwinds by playing soccer. She says she has learned virtues such as teamwork, patience, and being optimistic even in challenging situations through this game.
“Playing helps me relax. They say it’s easy to get to the top but hard to maintain the position. The pressure to perform can get into one’s head and that’s not good. I always look for ways to let off steam. I managed to score an A- in my last exam, and I want to maintain consistency until the end of this academic year, which will culminate with the national exams which will determine what University and degree I’ll be pursuing . I want to do well in my final exams so I can qualify to pursue my dream course in the medical field,” she explains.
Jairus
Jairus is an embodiment of the saying, “discipline and hard work equal success.” Now in form three and one year away from sitting for the high school exit exams, Jairus has consistently been performing at the top of his class. In the last exam, Jairus managed to score an A. With his academic success and continuous display of high levels of discipline, Jairus was appointed to be a laboratory prefect in his school.
Jairus is banking on his education to end the cycle of poverty his family is stuck in. Though he has a bright mind and big dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon, their impoverished situation limits Jairus’s potential. Fortunately for him, Moja Tu came to his rescue, and all he is expected to do is focus on his studies as his sponsor handles the financial responsibilities. He’s incredibly grateful for his sponsor, who is his champion and helps boost his spirits, and gives him the drive to keep working hard.
“I am grateful to pursue my studies at a quality school. I also need not worry about my school fees and educational supplies as these have been catered for by the program. All I do now is focus on my studies, and I am glad that my results speak of my hard work and dedication. I want to be a neurosurgeon, and I am working towards that,” he asserts.