TERESA WERU
Teresa Weru’s incredible journey with KWFT began in 2013, following her outstanding performance in the KCPE exams. As the second of three siblings, Teresa, along with her brother and mother, faced numerous challenges living in in Kariobangi, later moving to Dandora and eventually settling in Maili Saba, Njiru. With her mother depending on menial work for income, affording basic needs, let alone Teresa’s secondary education was difficult.
Teresa’s academic excellence caught the attention of her caring class teacher, who recognized her potential and refused to let financial constraints hinder her bright future. Going above and beyond her role, the teacher even volunteered to pay Teresa’s tuition fees, ensuring she could continue her education uninterrupted.
Later on, Teresa’s teacher connected her mother with a friend at KWFT, who introduced them to the institution’s life-changing program, Capture the Future, dedicated to sponsoring bright and needy girls through their academic and tertiary studies.
Thanks to KWFT’s support, Teresa embarked on her secondary education at Ndia-ini Girls High School and later pursued a Diploma in Business Management at Meru National Polytechnic. Reflecting on her journey, Teresa acknowledges the pivotal role KWFT played in shaping her trajectory, providing not just financial support, but also consistent encouragement and mentorship.
But Teresa’s story doesn’t end there. Seizing every opportunity, she transitioned from an intern to a dedicated Business Development Officer at KWFT’s Kayole Unit in May 2021. Today, Teresa finds fulfillment in her work, empowered to support her family and positively impact the lives of others.
As she reflects on her journey, Teresa is filled with gratitude towards KWFT for their generosity and kindness. She hopes their support will continue to brighten the futures of other deserving girls, enabling them to fulfill their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
As she reflects on her journey, Teresa is filled with gratitude towards KWFT for their generosity and kindness. She hopes their support will continue to brighten the futures of other deserving girls, enabling them to fulfill their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
SUSAN MWIHAKI
Susan Wangari was raised by her mother and aunt. Everlyne Macharia, Susan’s mother, ensured that her two children received the best things that life could offer.
This inspired her to make the bold of traveling outside the country to expand her business. Unfortunately, Susan’s mother was a victim of the war and lost contact with her family. Susan and her sister relocated to Mkuru Kwa Reuben under the care of their compassionate aunt, Grace Wangari.
With limited resources, Grace ensured that Susan continued her education at Gatoto Community Primary School. Recognizing Susan’s potential, her headteacher recommended her for the KWFT scholarship program, opening doors to a brighter future.
Susan’s aunt took up the responsibility of raising her children along- side her sister’s children as gratitude for raising and educating her. Susan’s focus on making a difference in her community was not shifted by this abrupt shift, but rather made her more resilient to the challenges life threw her way.
While in Gatoto Community Primary School, Susan became an impeccable student. Not only did she explore her talent in co-curricular activities but also in her studies. She passed her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE). Recognizing Susan’s potential, her headteacher recommended her for the KWFT scholarship program, opening doors to a brighter future. Susan qualified for the scholarship program for her good performance, joining other studious girls who are in the journey to change their stories.
Supported by KWFT’s Capture the Future sponsorship program, Susan excelled at Nginda Girls’ High School, embracing opportunities for mentorship and personal growth and she excelled. Capture the Future sponsorship program catered for her full tuition fees, upkeep and shopping. During the school holidays, Susan attended mentorship programs organized by KWFT that instilled hope in her. “Sometimes the senior management who were women came to talk to us during the mentorship session and gave us some tips on how we can become great and independent women in future,” said Susan.
These experiences fueled her ambition to pursue higher education in Human Resource Management at the East Africa Institute of Certified Studies. Upon graduation in 2021, Susan seized the opportunity to intern at KWFT, inspired by the female leaders who had mentored her along the way. In July 2022, Susan proudly joined KWFT as a full-fledged employee, eager to contribute to the company’s mission.
“It is critical to support the girl child because empowering the girls means empowering the family and the community.” We need more people to help the girl child secure her future and ensure her dreams are not obliterated,” said Rhoda Mutua, a social worker at Gatoto Community Primary School.
Grateful for the opportunities afforded to her, Susan is committed to paying it forward and making a positive impact in her community. She extends heartfelt appreciation to KWFT for believing in her potential and to her aunt for her unwavering support.