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A 21-year-old named Thwahir Malafu is studying Economics and Finance at Claremont McKenna College in the United States.
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His aspiration to attend the renowned institution became achievable through the Kenya Scholar Access Program (KenSAP), which aims to support high-achieving, economically disadvantaged Kenyan students.
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The program came to his aid following difficulties in enrolling at the University of Nairobi, where he intended to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Chemistry.
When times get difficult, the strong take action – maybe this could be Thwahir Malafu’s motto.
The person from Kakamega is presently pursuing their ideal education program in the United States.
The individual, who was 21 years old, achieved an average score of A- (minus), equivalent to 78 points, in the 2021 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam. He took his tests at Musembe Secondary, a relatively obscure institution located in Lugari subcounty within Kakamega county.
Malafu was first offered a spot at the renowned Chavakali High School after achieving 384 marks on the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE).
Financial difficulties dampened Thwahir Malafu’s aspirations.
Sadly, he couldn’t enroll at Chavakali because of financial difficulties.
He was accepted into Musembe Secondary School, a typical countryside institution in Western Kenya, lacking essential educational facilities.
Even though his secondary school was considered inferior, he excelled academically and performed impressively on the national exam after four years.
He received an offer from the University of Nairobi (UoN) to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Chemistry.
The financial setbacks would continue to affect him even during his higher education.
Unlike his situation in secondary education, where he could opt for enrollment in an affordable institution, Malafu faced much narrower choices when it came to higher education.
A break from his struggles arrived when he obtained an internship through the Equity Leadership Program. This opportunity provided him with a stipend, allowing him to enroll at the University of Nairobi.
However, the funds were insufficient for him since he needed to juggle his education with providing for his family.
“I received a call from the University of Nairobi. However, we needed to figure out how to raise some funds. I was offered admission into the Bachelor’s program in Industrial Chemistry. At that point, joining wasn’t feasible as it was quite costly for our family… If I chose to use my savings to cover tuition fees, that would deplete all my resources, leaving me right where we started,” he explained.
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He postponed his education, and as his internship with Equity concluded, he found himself at a critical juncture.
Malafu began searching for employment to support himself and his family, and he eventually secured a position at a restaurant in Nairobi.
Initially, he worked as a cleaner until he was promoted to the position of cashier.
The income was insufficient, forcing him to make the toughest choice to abandon his education and dedicate his modest earnings toward covering his younger sister’s tuition and supporting their parents.
“I initially worked as a cleaner at a restaurant, but later they allowed me to take up a position as a cashier. Consequently, my schedule included both day shifts and nights. Meanwhile, my sister was attending school and required financial assistance. Therefore, I had to step in,” he explained.
Yet despite having his aspirations delayed, Malafu tackled his obstacles with resolve, all while planning his next steps to maintain his scholarly achievements.
It was during his time working at the restaurant that he stumbled upon the Kenya Scholar Access Program (KenSAP). This discovery ended up transforming his life for the better.
How KenSAP Transformed Thwahir Malafu’s Life
KenSAP aims at high-performing yet economically disadvantaged Kenyan students.
Someone close to him recommended the program, which sparked his curiosity.
Thwahir mentioned that he applied for it, and after some time, things turned out well in his favor.
Initially, there wasn’t an immediate reaction following the application, so he carried on working while also looking into alternative possibilities.
One of my friends informed me about KenSAP. After graduating from high school, I applied the following year. He mentioned that the application process was quite challenging.
The program connected him with Claremont McKenna College in the United States, where he is presently pursuing studies in economics and finance.
He credits KeNSAP for both his present condition and his upcoming achievements.
“I believe KenSAP has been the most incredible experience for me so far. Ever since joining KenSAP, every bit of knowledge I possess today can be traced back to this program. It introduced me to some amazing individuals—the best part being the network and collaborations with students from different educational institutions. These schools are top-tier, filled with brilliant minds who have exposure to numerous resources. We essentially learn from one another, forming lasting bonds through our interactions. Additionally, thanks to KenSAP, I secured an internship at the Chamere Institute located in Kilimani, which allowed me to meet countless new acquaintances,” he shared.
Since its launch in 2004, this program has successfully enrolled more than 300 Kenyan students into over 40 higher education institutions throughout the United States, encompassing prestigious universities such as Harvard and Johns Hopkins.
Malafu remains optimistic about the new door this opportunity has opened for him, connecting him with prospects he once only aspired to achieve.
“As a student, I am presented with numerous possibilities that were once merely fantasies for me. Now, I have the prime chance to dream anew and improve my life,” he stated.
What criteria does KenSAP use for selecting recipients?
Given the constant demand for educational opportunities, KenSAP must prioritize the most critical situations and provide them with support.
KenSAP Executive Director Alan Davidson mentioned that the focus is consistently on those who are incredibly underserved.
“Our objective is to assist underprivileged Kenyan children in obtaining access to education and opportunities that can improve their lives. We have been bringing students from various parts of Kenya, even those from the refugee camps in Kakuma and Dadaab. Educational achievements often depend on which institution one attends; hence, it may not be astonishing for a student from a prestigious national school to score an A. However, achieving an A-minus at a regular local school would indeed signify exceptional performance. Considering such factors helps us pinpoint the most suitable applicants for our program,” as Davidson clarified.
What methods does KenSAP use to fundraise for its objectives?
The program collaborates with other supportive organizations to achieve its main objective.
Given an adequate budget, KenSAP sponsors a minimum of 20 students annually to study in the United States, covering their entire educational expenses as well as living costs.
On May 21st, KenSAP organized a grand dinner event aimed at raising funds to sustain their mission.
The organization aimed to raise at least $90,000 (which equals KSh 12 million) from the event; this amount represents just 18% of KenSAP’s yearly budget.
During the fair, an auction took place where various items, such as cows, were offered to potential buyers. All the funds raised from this event were directed towards supporting the program.
What opportunities did the Kenyan government obtain for nurses?
Elsewhere in the headlines, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lately unveiled chances for Kenyan nurses to seek employment in the United States.
The State Department of Diaspora Affairs has announced new job opportunities for Kenyan nurses looking to work in the USA as part of the “Kazi Majuu” program.
The initiative, facilitated via the Diaspora Placement Agency (DPA), was tailored for registered nurses possessing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Potential candidates were encouraged to obtain comprehensive application instructions by either browsing the official website or contacting them through email at [email protected].
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