ICA:UK has worked in partnership with TYO almost since their inception in 2007. TYO was established to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to access education, leadership development, mentorship, and employment pathways. To this end they provide sponsorship of up to 50% for young people to access higher education, something they would not otherwise be able to do.
Robert Auha, TYO Co-ordinator, reports that TYO is currently supporting 20 students (17 female and 3 male) across degree, diploma, and technical/vocational training programmes. Students are pursuing Community Development, Social Work, Tailoring, Catering, and Hairdressing at institutions including Africa International University, Kenya Institute of Social Work and Community Development (KISWCD), Mukuru Slums Development Project (MSDP) Vocational Training Centre, and Kenya Institute of Business and Counselling Studies (KIBCO).
As well as sponsoring students, TYO provides additional support through ongoing guidance and coaching. As part of regular meet-up sessions with students, for example, recently a session was held, focusing on disability inclusion, equal access to education and opportunities, respect and dignity, non-discrimination, accessibility, inclusive employment and entrepreneurship, and the role of young people in creating inclusive communities.
As always, it is the personal stories of the students that best illustrate the impact that Tujiendeleze is having. Here are just two examples:
Elizabeth Soi is currently sponsored by Tujiendeleze to pursue a Diploma in Community Development and Nutrition & Dietetics, which she will complete next month. Elizabeth comes from the marginalised Maasai community in Kajiado County. The only girl among seven siblings, she is the first and only child in her family to progress beyond secondary education. Alongside her studies, she also engages in farming, which enables her to contribute towards her education and meet other personal needs, and she volunteers at a health facility in Kajiado. She writes:
“TYTF has given me more than a scholarship; it has given me hope, skills and an opportunity to transform my life. This support is opening doors that I once thought were beyond my reach and is preparing me to become self-reliant and create opportunities for others. I am grateful for the opportunity and determined to make the most of it.”
In contrast, Mildred Andia Sieyo completed her Diploma seventeen years ago, and writes movingly here about how her life has changed as a result.
Will you join us in supporting Tujiendeleze’s work? Read more and donate at https://ica-uk.org.uk/village-volunteers/ Any amount can make a difference.