TIES Kenya University Scholarships Project

Hello friends and supporters of TIES Kenya. We are so grateful and thrilled to share our wonderful news with all of you. We closed the year 2024 with our first two graduates of the TIES Kenya university sponsorship program. Tessa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Community Development and Environment from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, in Juja. Sanaipei graduated with a Bachelor of Education Science from the Mount Kenya University in Thika. On 29th November and 6th December, as Sarah made the trips to the two institutions which are actually not too far apart, along the same Thika road highway, for the graduation ceremonies, it was a full circle moment. The two girls are part of our 2021 beneficiaries group, who began the project. Coincidentally, the two also shared the experience of the hiccups experienced back in September 2021; as freshmen, we call them freshers in Kenya, there was a slight delay in their fees being credited in the schools' finance portals. John and Sarah both made several trips to try sort that out in person. As we all reflected on that process, our hearts were filled with gratitude for their journey. Also they both blazed through their academic programs in three years, taking advantage of the tri-semester system available in both schools. In comparison, their peers in other universities from the same year are now in their fourth year, because they study two semesters per academic year. 

We would like their experiences to be focus of this report, below is one. 

Sanaipei from Mulot, Narok county

I want to take this chance to thank God who has enabled us to reach this far. Am so grateful, to Ross, Sarah, John and the entire TIES organization. To handle young girls who are struggling with life is not an easy task, your financial support and advices made us reach wherever we are right now. My experience with TIES has been so good, I didn't encounter any great challenge with my education life while in school. My study period has been so smooth, due to your support I was able to do all my exams on time, do my research well, by the help of the laptop you blessed us with when we were joining university. Meals and accommodation were well sorted, didn't have any problem on the same. 

Life in school is not easy but am grateful to the Lord that I completed my studies well. A lot of students are really struggling to get school fees, some go without food, others are chased because they have not paid rent, until they end up doing miserable deeds which would later cause harm to their life. But with you TIES organization, am so thankful that you lend your hand to support me in school. 

Sincerely, am so grateful and I promise to give back to the society, to help young girls achieve their dreams. I always see the life we are living especially in the community, that is in the area am coming from; a lot of girls are getting married young because of poor living, barbaric culture, and lack of exposure. I feel like helping them open their eyes to see the goodness of education. I promise to work hand in hand with TIES, so that one day I could give back to the society, more so, is to help young girls in our community.

So there you have it folks, on behalf of the girls and all of us from TIES Kenya, thank you all for supporting our work. For every donation we say Asante sana (big thanks). Join us in celebrating, as we look forward to many more graduations, and more girls and young women empowered to break the cycle of poverty in their lives, their families and communities through education. 

Links:

• TIES Kenya University scholarship project GG page
• TIESK FB page
• TIESK IG page

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:

• TIESK Kenya website
• TIESK FB page
• TIESK GG Project page