Tumaini makes a commitment to all of our sponsored kids that they will be supported through the completion of high school or the equivalent vocational training. Tumaini sponsors make it possible for children to access this level of education that would be impossible without their support. We are so grateful for the impact on the lives of the children and their families.
With that being said, just like in the United States, there are very few opportunities for employment with only a high school diploma. It is quite a conundrum as though we are so grateful for the support of the children, we are heartbroken to learn so many students have the intelligence, drive and passion to go on to higher education but lack the funds to do so. Unlike the United States, there are very few options to obtain financial aid, scholarships or loans. When students complete high school, sponsors are offered a no obligation opportunity to support in college at a rate of $160/month. It is a big jump from $38 and we do know that not everyone is in a position to make this financial leap. Another way to support higher education is to continue at $38 to contribute to our alumni fund which collectively can support a few students in college. Those sponsors who had students who completed high school in 2024 will be receiving a card with such options and we ask you to consider a commitment to inspire hope to either your student or help support a student achieve their dreams.
I’m going to shift from talking generally to my personal story. I have the unique perspective as a Tumaini International employee, but I am also a sponsor. As a sponsor, I had done my part to contribute $38 per month. It was a transaction with heart. More than a monthly payment, I knew it was helping provide hope to the child. I was fully planning to stop support at high school graduation as that is the natural end of our sponsorship program. However, the plan changed when I met my sponsored girls.
Upon meeting these bright young ladies, my transaction became personal. Many of us grow close to our sponsored kids through letters, photos and videos, but for me the meeting was a game changer. I met these delightful students and heard their stories and their dreams. I met future leaders of their families, villages and country. My heart was torn. College support is a big leap for a sponsor it is a move from $38/month to $160/month. I didn’t have any changes to my finances on the horizon and I did not even support my own son in college. But I knew this was something that would impact the lives of these girls by providing an opportunity to gain the education needed to sustain them for the future. I had to figure out how to do it. For me, short term debt would mean lifelong opportunities for the students. Sharing my personal decision is not intended to suggest US sponsors go into debt to support in college, but rather to show that all of us at Tumaini know that college support is a sacrifice and not possible for everyone.
This month I was back in Kenya to work with our team and was able to meet with my sponsored girls now first and second year college students. They are young women navigating their way to learn life skills of independent living, managing their studies and doing the hard work to fulfill their dreams. I have no regrets about my decision.
If you have considered college sponsorship or alumni fund support, I can assure you it is more than a transaction with heart. You are inspiring hope for young adults who have passion, intelligence and dreams. They only lack finances.
Sincerely,
Susan Proctor
US Program Director