Unlocking Potential

One of tagline's of Kenya Keys is the phrase, "Unlocking Potential". When I was in Kenya recently I met a young man, Stephen Waititu Ndegwa who embodies that sentiment.

When Stephen was in secondary school his father passed away.  This is a common occurrence in a country with very limited medical care.  Many of our students are orphans.  Because he didn't have a father, he often could not pay his school fees.  When this happens the students are 'chased away' from school until the fees can be paid, resulting in many weeks of missed classes.  

At the end of 12th grade, students in Kenya take an all important exam that determines if they can go to university, which university and what they can study.  Stephen's marks were abysmal.   About the same time the village priest got involved, recognized his potential and recommended that Stephen be given a Kenya keys sponsorship.  

Now he was able to go to classes without worrying about his fees.  The school principal agreed to allow Stephen to repeat the last two years of school to try and improve his grades.  Without the constant worry and because he was now more mature and could focus, his grades improved dramatically...so dramatically that he graduated and was admitted into one of the best universities in Kenya where he earned a Computer Science Degree.

Now he owns a Cyber Cafe in Taru, manages an office/retail building (the tallest building in town),  and has helped his Mom start a laundry business.  He bought her a washing machine which is a real novelty in Taru! 

Plus Stephen encouraged his brother to return to secondary school after he had dropped out.  Brother Kelvin graduated and is about to start college to get a diploma thanks to Stephen's encouragement and support. 

Stephen is definitely 'paying it forward'.  I am so happy to have met him.