Name: Peter Muthee Kariuki
School: Thome Boys Secondary School
My name is Peter Muthee, and I was born on 9th May 2006. I am a beneficiary of the PA-MOJA scholarship, which I have been a part of since I was four years old.
Unlike many boys my age, I’m not a fan of football but rather passionate about basketball. No one taught me how to play; I started bouncing the huge ball around when I was in grade 4, and watching others play helped me improve. I love basketball because it keeps me fit and clears my mind, especially when I’m not taking walks. My favorite player is Stephen Curry, who, despite being considered short for the game, is the best.
I’m interested in History, Human Biology, and understanding how things work. I am naturally curious and have done research on the nervous system during one of my projects. I find this fascinating because I want to deeply understand the workings of things. It also gives me valuable knowledge to become a better debater. I love debating because I aspire to study law in the future and provide pro bono services to those in need. Whenever I see people arguing, even if I don’t know them, I’ll join and engage in the conversation.
In the afternoons, I take ‘classic health walks’ to clear my mind and start fresh for the evening. The longest walk I’ve ever taken in a day was 20km during our town’s yearly Red Cross walk, a fundraising event for the less fortunate.
When I’m bored, I relax with music and movies. Drill music energizes me, and I’m a fan of fantasy adventure series and supernatural movies. I find vampire-themed movies particularly fascinating; if vampires were real, I imagine being the fastest and strongest, thanks to shows like ‘Vampire Diaries’ that make vampires seem like gods.
My fears might seem funny or childish. I’m terrified of rats and snakes. Seeing a rat makes me shiver, and though I’ve never encountered a snake up close, I fear them. I can imagine that an encounter with one would be overwhelming.
While I don’t have vivid memories of my birth or early life, I recall living in Naivasha before my family connected with PA-MOJA. We lived in a small wooden house with our grandmother. In 2009, Silvia and Alison found us and took us in. They moved us to Nanyuki to be closer to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Adjusting was tough because our primary language was Kikuyu. Our eldest brother knew some English, so he helped us with translations. We were the first PA-MOJA scholarship beneficiaries in our family, which consists of three brothers and two sisters. I’m the second tallest among my siblings, with my oldest brother being the tallest.
I am grateful to my family, including the PA-MOJA family, for the moral, financial, and emotional support they have provided. Interacting with students from Langley School and others has given me insights into school life in Canada and the United States.
Finally, I want to extend a big thank you to all PA-MOJA donors for giving Kenyan students, including me, a chance to shape our futures. To everyone who bakes, makes, sells, and fundraises for my education, THANK YOU!
