My name is Moses Mathu, and with much gratitude to Education Is Power, I am currently a Bachelor of Arts student at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. My path to the varsity has not been easy at all, bearing on the fact that quality post-secondary education in this part of the world is only accessed by the haves. It has been a path littered by many rough times. Financial constraints have played a major role in trying to block my dream to campus, and my motivation to help my family and society.
My mom has been single for the last years after a break-up with my dad. This left her the sole breadwinner of four children, where I am the second born. My dad completely abandoned us and this has been the case to date. It has been the responsibility of my mom, who is a casual laborer, to place bread on the table and give us quality education.
Back in 2013, I scored a B+ in my KCPE(transitioning examinations to high school) where afterwards I was admitted to a boarding school where my mom wasn’t able to raise the fee. The school sent me home for fee arrears, which I was not able to raise. This led me to drop out of school for almost two terms. With no hope to get back to school or access any to education. It tore me apart, and I was at the end of my hopeful journey to ever attain higher education
It’s always said that the end of one road is the beginning of another. This when the Education Is Power programme (EIP) came into my educational journey. The programme has been financing my education since 2016. I had to change schools from a boarding school to a day school which is more affordable. This raised my hopes and dreams to join university.
In 2018, I did my KCSE (transitioning examinations to University) and attained a B grade which was high enough to guarantee me a place in a public university and gain government subsidies. Later, I was admitted to the University of Nairobi where I am currently studying International Relations, thanks to EIP for catering my shortfalls beyond the partial scholarship I receive from the government. My gratitude to this Education Is Power is immeasurable.
EIP has continuously offered both moral and financial support. The former, through the many talks they organized for the EIP-sponsored students and the success stories the management shared with the students. This has always kept me focusing to achieve my goals. It has renewed my hope in achieving the best in life, and also enabling other disadvantaged youth the same chances I had.
EIP has been in the forefront in brightening the future of many African students and societies. It has revived the hope of many desperate kids in Kenya. The hope and access to education provided has seen many “have nots” become a part of the university community, and build up their societies by helping to empower others.
