TIES Kenya University Scholarships Project

Hello good people. It's always such a joy to share with you all on our progress and what's up with TIES Kenya. Our university sponsorship program is still up and running. We are grateful to God and TIES Canada, our program donor for this far. Can you remember we started in September 2021, with 8 girls, joining universities across Kenya? We call them "freshers", our term for freshmen. Now, 4 years later, 2 girls from that group have already graduated, 3 have completed their studies awaiting graduation, and 2 are wrapping up their internships, mandatory before graduating in Kenya. We added 4 beneficiaries in 2023, and one of them, Catherine, graduated last month. This report focuses on Catherine; we believe her story shines a light on why the TIES Kenya sponsorship program matters. 

This is a special one; Catherine's story is one of resilience and a determination to not quit despite all the challenges she faced while studying her nursing degree course, at the Mount Kenya University (MKU), in Thika. She got a baby in her first year, didn't have enough funds for her education and raising Zawadi, her daughter. She didn't quit, she worked at food joints known as "vibandaski" in Kenya. As a waitress, she served her classmates, and would sneak into the lectures, to catch up with learning. It is a rule that with no fee payments students cannot register for course units, leave alone attend class in MKU.

When I met Catherine in December 2023, her story captured my heart. I was so inspired by her spirit. And our daughters were the same age, 3 years old at the time. I wondered, would I have stuck it out like she did? To be honest, I've been deterred and discouraged by lesser obstacles in comparison to hers. So, we took her in our program. This was a no brainer; our program is for girls like Catherine.

So on 8th August 2025, it was a big moment for Catherine. And I was very happy to be there, to celebrate with her. And of course our daughters were present too- Zawadi and Njoki. Moments like these remind me of the importance of the work we do. Looking at Catherine, 2 years apart, the change was hard to miss. Her hope has not been shattered, as she proudly held on to her graduation gown and cap, I could tell she had really looked forward to this day. Her possibilities are better now, she plans to do her nursing council exam and get a job soon. This is a real opportunity, not merely a far-fetched dream. A job means income, and a way for her to provide a good and decent standard of living for her and Zawadi. Think food, shelter, clothing, education. Even more than just the basic needs, because, why not?

We at TIES Canada and Kenya, are so blessed and grateful to be part of Catherine's journey, and all our other girls. Our work is made possible by the support from well-wishers like yourself. Yes, you. Every contribution goes a long way. Please check out our GlobalGiving project page, on how you can join and partner with us to help us reach out to more girls like Catherine, with this truly wonderful gift of education. Asante sana. 

Links:

• TIESK Kenya website
• TIESK IG page
• TIESK FB page