Name: Joseph Mugo Mwangi
Age: 18 years
School: Thome Boys Secondary School
Grade: Graduated in December of 2022
He is an introvert and a boy of very few words. The third born in a family of three only talks when he is required to do so.
His father and mother are casual labourers. His father lost his job when he was in grade 7. Due to the stressful situation, he developed high blood pressure and his mother had no otherwise but to take up the role of a breadwinner.
It was never easy for the family witnessing their father seek medical care from one hospital to another. But after one year of illness, his health improved and he joined his mother in casual work. The little earned was used for basic needs. At one particular time when Joseph was in grade 8, he dropped school for one semester due to lack of school fees. The situation at home did not deter him from working hard in school.
When he sat for his national exam, he emerged one of the best students and got an admission in a national school but he had no hope of joining secondary. At some point, his father suggested he join a day school or repeat grade 8. This was not Joseph’s wish and he kept his fingers crossed he gets a sponsor. He took it upon himself to approach community members and former teachers for help but the little he raised was only enough for shopping.
Having no otherwise he decided to repeat grade 8. One day his primary school teacher called his father and informed him of the Ol Pejeta scholarship application. He decided to try his luck. His father assisted him with the applications’. Joseph attests that was the longest time in his life as he waited to receive news whether he has qualified or not and when a call came through he had qualified for four years scholarship, he was extremely happy.
Behind every success there is a motivation factor; for Joseph he had multiple; he always wanted to join a national school, his aunt had promised him a gift if he scored good marks, which she did and he would like to be an engineer. This kept him going regardless of the challenges at home.
During his free time, he loves playing football and reading storybooks. Though an introvert he is very humorous, one of his best friends confirmed this.
Thank you message to donor: “I have always admired the work engineers do and I believe I have the potential of becoming one. I also want to be a role model for my younger siblings and children in my community. Thank you so much for paying my school fees and for giving me a platform to show the world what am capable of. I promise to make you proud.”