By Sarah Wanjiru | TIES Kenya Representative
Hello TIES Charity Canada and TIES Kenya family, we hope this report finds you all well. This quarter we continue our series on beneficiaries’ stories. We focus on Noellah, an amazing brilliant girl. When I first met her about a year ago, she lived with her mum in the Matasia area in Ngong, Kajiado county. She had excelled in her form four exams but with the new funding model launched, https://www.universitiesfund.go.ke/new-higher-education-funding-model/ first years like Noellah were faced with increased school fees. Almost 5 times what previous students would pay. Noellah and her mum (now late) were anxious, how would they raise 270,000 KES annually for her tuition fees for a Mechanical Engineering technology course at TUK? Especially given there was no certainty on government funding allocations or disbursements. Also, her mum raised her single handedly, but had lost her job back in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. A lot has changed for Noellah since then: She got into our sponsorship program and started school in September last year. Sadly, a few months afterwards, her mum was diagnosed with Cancer and passed on earlier this year in May. Noellah who grew up as an only child, and had a very close relationship with her mum, faced a difficult reality now. She had to move into a hostel and for the first time live on her own. Below is Noellah's experience in her own words, on the transition in university life and how that is going for her.
My Memorable University Experience
University life is a transformative journey filled with numerous experiences that shape our personalities and future. Among these, some moments stand out more vividly than others. One such memorable experience for me is living in a hostel. Starting university was both exciting and daunting. The campus is different, and the academic expectations are pretty high as well! However, the diverse community and the opportunity to learn from my professors makes it an enriching experience. I enrolled in a course that I was passionate about, and the lectures and group projects are intellectually stimulating. The university also offers various extracurricular activities, from sports to cultural clubs, which allow me to explore my interests and make new friends. I enjoy dancing and was part of a dance group but when mom was sick I could no longer participate actively, as I had to take care of her. I look forward to resuming that and maybe try out badminton as well.
Living in a hostel is a unique experience that adds a different element to my university life. Initially, the idea of sharing a room with strangers was intimidating, but it soon became one of the most rewarding aspects of my university journey. The hostel is a melting pot of cultures, with students from different backgrounds living together. This diversity fosters a sense of community and broadens my perspective.
The Challenges and Rewards
Hostel life comes with its own set of challenges. Adjusting to a new environment, managing finances, and balancing academic responsibilities are some of the hurdles I face. However, these challenges are teaching me valuable life skills such as independence, time management, and resilience. The camaraderie among hostel mates is a significant reward. Late-night study sessions, communal meals, and weekend outings create bonds beyond mere friendship.
My university experience is teaching me the importance of adaptability and collaboration. It also instills a sense of responsibility and self-reliance. The friendships I am making and the lessons I learn have had a lasting impact on my personal growth.
We are so proud of Noellah. And are happy to assist in her education. This would not be possible without the kind donations from our supporters. Thank you. We are grateful and are excited to continue helping more girls like Noellah go to university, get an education in courses of their choice and make a positive impact in their own lives, their families and communities. Check out our TIES Kenya website and social media platforms on the links below, for updates on what we are up to.
Links:
By Sarah Wanjiru | TIES Kenya Representative
By Sarah Wanjiru | TIES Kenya Representative
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