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Father’s Day is a time to honor and celebrate the father figures in our lives. This year, we shine a spotlight on the transformative journey of Michael Bailey, one of the founders of Moja Tu. His unwavering dedication and boundless compassion have not only profoundly impacted the lives of many students but also served as a source of inspiration, a testament to the profound power of care and mentorship.
From the moment Kathy, Michael’s wife, mentioned starting Moja Tu one evening on their way to dinner, Michael was immediately on board. “The children we met during our first trip to Kenya deeply impacted me,” Michael recalls. This initial spark ignited a passion that has since grown into a lifelong commitment to the Moja Tu community.
For Michael, being a father figure to the Moja Tu students is not just a role but a deeply personal connection. It’s about providing them with the knowledge that someone truly cares about them. This sense of care acts as a security blanket, offering protection and safety. Having lost his father at the age of eight and being the first in his family to graduate from college, Michael understands the challenges many Moja Tu kids face. His personal experiences fuel his belief in the power of asking, “How can I help?” Serving as a mentor and sponsor allows him to support these students in achieving their dreams and making a tangible difference in their lives.
The impact of Michael’s involvement with Moja Tu on his own life is immeasurable. “The pride I feel in witnessing the students’ achievements is very fulfilling,” he says. Each success story is a testament to the resilience and potential of these young individuals, reinforcing the importance of his work.
Michael’s bond with the students has also influenced his perspective on family. It has reinforced his belief that family is defined by love, care, and being there for one another. This sense of family is deeply embedded in the culture of Moja Tu, creating a unique community that thrives on mutual support and affection.
Among the many heartwarming moments Michael has experienced, one stands out. During a trip in April this year, he had lunch with a former student and his wife and son. “Seeing the young man I had met years ago, now transformed and thriving, filled me with immense pride and warmth,” Michael shares. When he first met this student, his future was uncertain. However, with the opportunity provided by Moja Tu, the student seized it, dramatically changing the course of his life. Now, he has a son of his own, continuing the cycle of positive change and passing on the values he learned. This ripple effect of positive change is a testament to the enduring impact of Michael’s work and the bright future of the Moja Tu community.
Michael’s message to the Moja Tu community on Father’s Day is simple yet powerful: “Our motto is true. If you can touch or change the life of just one student and give them the opportunity for a better life, we can truly change the world together.”
As for the legacy Michael wishes to leave behind, it is embodied in the students who seized the opportunities provided to them and built better futures for themselves and their families through education. His message to all the students is clear: “I am forever proud of all of you and believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to,” Michael says.
This Father’s Day, we celebrate not only the traditional father figures but also the rest of the male sponsors, who extend their love, guidance, and support to children in need, embodying the true spirit of family and community. Michael’s journey with Moja Tu is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in the lives of many, changing the world one student at a time.