By Tom Bode, WSI President
Last weekend, Joyce graduated from college and completed her journey with WSI. Her journey from a humble beginning to completing a college program fulfills the promise of WSI.
Joyce grew up in Nakuru, one of the largest cities in Kenya. She attended a public K-8 school located in a slum area. Students and teachers at the school made do with limited resources: not enough teaching materials, no electricity or running water, and hand-me-down uniforms. It was the sort of place where many students went without lunch. The school had plenty of school spirit, with songs, dedicated teachers, and a soccer game every afternoon.
Joyce's 8th grade classroom.
Joyce did very well in school and finished eighth grade at the top of her class, earning a scholarship from WSI. Joyce joined WSI as a high school freshman in 2017. She attended a boarding school less than a mile from her old public school. For the first time, she had a new school uniform, a bed all to her own, and her basic needs were cared for.
Joyce as high school freshman
When we visited Joyce in 2019, she told us she wanted to be a lawyer when she grew up. Whereas some students are shy when meeting visitors from another country, Joyce always had plenty to say and a great smile for everyone. In this clip, she tells us her favorite subjects.
Joyce as high school junior
WSI supported Joyce through four years of high school. When she graduated high school, her performance was not enough to earn a spot at one of Kenya's four-year universities. Instead, Joyce entered a one-year program at the Kiriri Women's University of Science and Technology to study banking and finance.
Joyce as college student
On October 6, 2023, Joyce completed the dream she had strived towards for years. She graduated from the college with a diploma in Banking and Finance.
In an appreciation email to WSI, she wrote:
Joyce has now started a small business and is earning money to support herself.
Joyce at her graduation, October 6, 2023
We are so thrilled to celebrate Joyce's success and are proud to have been part of her journey. Congratulations to her!
Consider spreading the celebration of Joyce's accomplishments and share her story with a friend.