“I thank Tumaini for introducing the alumni scholarship fund to be able to help students realize their academic goals. I am also grateful to all sponsors for their big hearts in helping the needy”, Chizi explained. She is one of the current beneficiaries of the Tumaini Alumni Scholarship Fund.
Chizi, a 22-year-old, third year college student pursuing her bachelor degree in South Eastern Kenya University. She hails from Kwale County on the eastern coast of Kenya and had this to say, “I am the first born from a family of 10; my parents and my 7 siblings. Tumaini sponsored me in 2017 when I was joining grade 9 and sponsored my education through secondary level…My parents could not afford to cater for my school fees, accommodation and even upkeep. At some point, I almost gave up and even thought of finding a job in Mombasa Town.
I decided to make a call to the Tumaini office to explain my predicament and this is when I was introduced to the Tumaini alumni scholarship fund. My hopes of joining campus were rekindled and upon application, I was provided with a school fees cheque, accommodation and even upkeep.
I am now in my third year on campus and have never been sent home for school fees or lacked my accommodation fee. I have been able to attend classes comfortably and I have not missed any exam. Currently the cost of college education has gone very high, and I am afraid that most students will not be able to join college after form four (grade 12). I have also witnessed students being denied the chance to attend classes and even not being able to graduate because they have not done some terminal exams due to not paying school fees. I am grateful to God for this big privilege in my life.
Tumaini is currently supporting 140 students attending vocational, professional, and four-degree programs. Each year, we are only able to offer limited scholarships based on available alumni scholarship funds. And now, with the 12th grade class that just completed taking their national exit exams, we anticipate the number of eligible students to grow by approximately 115 in 2024. We are grateful to those sponsors who can continue supporting fully their children in colleges. However, we are fully aware that not everyone can afford the thousands of dollars needed to fund college education.
That is why I am writing to you today. There is still time to give and receive a tax deduction for 2023. Would you prayerfully consider a designated donation for alumni scholarship. Donations may be made online: https://tumaini.givingfuel.com/alumni-fund. Any amount will be appreciated, however here are some suggested amounts for you to consider:
$3,000 will fund a university student for one year.
$ 2,000 will fund a professional career student (e.g., nursing) for one year.
$1,000 will fund a vocational student (e.g., masonry, hairdressing) for one year.
Other:
$750
$500
$250
$100
$50
Other $
*** Please note that all donations must be initiated online by midnight or postmarked December 31 in order to be applied to 2023 tax donation receipts.
Thank you for your support in 2023 and we wish you a very Happy New Year!
With Gratitude,
Stanley Mutunga
President & CEO