Student Success Stories

Maureen

Maureen did not get high enough grades to secure a place at the university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Her academic career, however, would not end here. She carried on and enrolled in a diploma course at a local university. Knowing this was the second chance she desperately needed, she worked hard in school. Her diligence paid off, as she was consistently one of the top students in her class and graduated with distinction.

All this time, she had her eyes set on attaining a bachelor’s degree; she understood how competitive the job market is and how she would struggle to get a job without this degree. Once she graduated with her diploma, she approached her sponsors, requesting if they could fund her bachelor’s studies.

“They agreed, and I couldn’t be happier,” she says.

Her exemplary performance and good behavior stood in her good stead. Before joining Moja Tu, she often wondered if she would ever finish high school, let alone join university. She was always sent home for lack of school fees because her single mother couldn’t afford to pay the fees and fend for their family. She admits that the on-and-off appearances at school were getting frustrating, and she almost gave up. She also had no one to look up to, as no one in her family had made it to university.

“Life changed when I got the sponsorship. Every day that passes, I am grateful that I went and said hi to the sponsors when they visited our school while I was still in high school. That was where I was fortunate enough to meet my sponsors, Uhuru and Christie,” says the 21-year-old, who adds that she gained a new support system and family through Moja Tu.

This year, Maureen will be celebrating her seventh anniversary in Moja Tu, which she is pleased about. Her relationship with her sponsors has blossomed over the years thanks to the letter exchanges and video calls. Her sponsors have also visited the country together with their children, where they were able to further cement their relationship.

Maureen, who graduated with a criminology and security studies diploma last year, is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree in the same. She is looking forward to expanding her knowledge and experience in the field.

“My sponsors and the organization have been very supportive. I have never lacked. I also joined the mentorship program that helped me boost my confidence and become more involved in life, as I was always shy and had low self-esteem. Moja Tu has been such a big blessing in my life, and I am grateful for everything,” she concludes.