Lucy Wacera Wairimu was born in 2002, and the last born in her family of seven children. Lucy’s mother is a single parent who supports her family with their small farm. Lucy enjoys farming with her mother and siblings.
Lucy joined PA-MOJA in 2016, when she was offered a four year scholarship to cover her secondary school fees. Ol Pejeta and the community selected Lucy to be a scholarship recipient because she was a bright student, she worked hard, and her mother could not afford to put Lucy through school. Striving to show her appreciation for PA-MOJA’s support for her education, Lucy was very focussed and studious in school. Lucy especially loved the PA-MOJA scholarship days that are held every year to bring all the students together that are supported by PA-MOJA. During these days, students have opportunities to enjoy the conservancy and also listen to former scholarship students give advice about how to succeed in school and in life.
Because she was such an exemplary student, PA-MOJA chose Lucy as a Kenyan student ambassador to travel to Canada in 2018. While she was in Canada, Lucy attended classes, spoke to school groups and educators, toured attractions, and experienced Canadian culture. Lucy was quite shy when she arrived, but she gained a lot of confidence due to the number of presentations she gave and people that she spoke to who were so interested to learn about her and about Kenya. Lucy was also very observant and enjoyed talking about some of the differences in education. For example, in Kenya, students wear school uniforms, they eat meals prepared at school and most students go to boarding schools. Also there are only academic theory classes in the Kenya school system, but no practical or arts courses like Woodwork, P.E., Art, Drama, Dance or Music. Lucy really enjoyed her time in Canada; she really appreciated the homestay families who welcomed her into their homes and allowed her to experience life in Canada.
Upon her return to Kenya, Lucy had her form 4 (grade 12) year ahead of her. In Kenya, there are very high stakes exams that happen at the end of secondary school that impact whether you get a government scholarship to go to University. Lucy did very well on these exams and she now lives in Nairobi and attends University. She is pursuing undergraduate studies majoring in commerce and working towards becoming a professional accountant.
“Words are not enough to say thank you to PA-MOJA for the support in my high-school education, but I am very grateful. Thank you PA-MOJA for helping kids from humble backgrounds who are not in a position to stand for their education.” Lucy Waceru Wairimu
