Wekesa Simiyu, an orphan was admitted at Kenyatta University, his future was uncertain as he could not raise the required fees to see him through his studies. He thought of deferring my studies because all possible options of help were unfruitful. As admission fast approached he had not even registered. One day he looked up and heaven was covered with brass. His prayers were desperate. His voice shaking. With all the effort he could muster, he wrote a long passionate email to Mr. Charles Ringera and then travelled from Kitale to Anniversary Towers with his Uncle to plead for his case not knowing this act of faith and determination would open doors for him.
In 2017, I tried to apply for a loan from HELB, but I did not qualify because I was underage and did not have my ID. That was when they recommended me to the Kenyatta University as an Orphan & Vulnerable student and somehow, with well-wishers, I survived my first semester as I waited for my ID. When I went back with my ID to apply for a loan in 2018, HELB recommended me for the ABSA Scholarship. ABSA fully funded my fees tuition and living expenses and even gave me a laptop for my research, which I could not have afforded.
Through the HELB and ABSA Partnership, I never missed my classes, and I was able to focus on my education without worrying about school fees. Had it not been for this divine intervention by HELB, I would have not been able to see the university doors or pursue my studies and realize my ambition to be a teacher. Through this support, I graduated with a First-Class Degree in Education majoring in Mathematics and Physics. ABSA still keeps tabs with me and every so often they check on his progress as well as inviting him for training modules like ready to work services which have been very helpful.
I advise other needy students to keep on checking the HELB website because even if HELB is not always finance you directly, they may be in a position to recommend you to other sponsorships as it did for me.