TIES Kenya University Scholarships Project

Our university scholarship program is going well so far; all 8 girls and beneficiaries are in their second and third years of studies across 8 institutions in Kenya. 3 universities have a tri-semester system therefore 3 girls are in the first semester of their third year, while the other five have two semesters in a year and are in the last semester of their second year. We are seeing notable growth and development with the girls; when they started university in September 2021, most were anxious and somewhat shy, as expected of any first-year student undertaking a new big chapter and transition from high school to university. Almost two years later, we see their confidence in our regular interactions like day-to-day conversations and during our regular meetings. They're much more outspoken and interactive; both amongst themselves and with the project leads Sarah and Ross. WhatsApp, email, and in-person conversations and interactions are our modes of communication. Tessa (JKUAT University Juja) is TIES Kenya's secretary- and one of the officials for the organization alongside Sarah and John (our liaison with partner NGO AVSI Kenya). She has demonstrated leadership and taking initiative in coordinating activities like AGMs.

The girls' sense of independence is developing as they now live away from home, and have to budget for their monthly expenses like food and rent with the monthly upkeep money provided by the program. It is great seeing them figure out more affordable accommodation options and manage finances in tough economic times in Kenya (e.g., inflation, resulting in increased cost of food). These young girls are truly on their journey to adulthood and we're happy to see it. Some are even thinking of ways of earning extra money using their skills and talents like braiding their friends' hair after classes; Faith at Pioneer University in Nairobi is a remarkable example. She is a Sickle cell anemia survivor and is facing her university life with bravery and self-growth. 

Academically the girls are also doing well; all have passed their exams and moved to consecutive semesters and years of studies. It is amazing seeing those doing technical courses like Nursing and Bachelor of Education (Maths, Physics major) and Applied Statistics with Computing; doing exemplary well, despite the demanding nature of their courses. We are proud of Emma (Pwani University Kilifi), Maorine (Mount Kenya University, Thika), and Nellius (University of Eldoret) respectively. It's amazing to see girls doing great in STEM courses. Participation in co-curricular activities has been reported as well. For instance, Maureen in Maseno university is an active badminton player and a member of the Maseno University Association of Business Students club. All the girls have shown their interest in giving back to the community and engaging in volunteering, for instance, Sharon from Kenya Highlands University in Kericho (B.A. Counselling & Psychology) volunteered as an intern on her break May-August 2022, at JEVA (Jina Educational Volunteer Association); a community-based project in her Siaya home area. She dedicated her time to offering counseling and motivation to high school beneficiaries of the GEVA project. The scholarship program has inspired the girls to work towards a better future for themselves, to succeed and in turn be able to help other girls and boys in need, in their various capacities. We are so proud of these girls and excited to play a part in their journey. Please join us, donate, and support us to continue this work.

Links:

• TIES Website
• Link for our Global Giving project