May 16, 2017

We are excited with anticipation for the groundbreaking of TFFT’s Learning Centre…and so are our scholars! We believe that offering opportunity to the future generation gives hope for a better tomorrow for us all. The Learning Centre will help do just that. Equipped with a library and resource centre, technology and computer training centre, higher education advisory and scholarship centre, teacher training and literacy lab, NGO and social entrepreneurship incubator, and office and conference rooms, TFFT’s Learning Centre will serve as a true change agent. Today, we share interviews with three of our scholars who explain a bit about themselves, how becoming a TFFT Scholar impacted their lives, and hopes for the Learning Centre’s impact.

GADIEL: age 14, Class 5 at Usa River Academy

My name is Gadiel and I am 14 years old. My favorite subjects are math, Kiswahili, and English. I go to the school library and read books over the weekends and I also like to draw during my free time. Science is difficult for me, so TFFT arranged for tutoring outside of class to help me improve. I hope to become a pilot in the future. I also hope that one day I will be able to help children in my community by paying their school fees, just like what TFFT does for me now.

I have five siblings. Only two of my siblings were able to complete their primary education. My mother works as a shopkeeper, and my father passed away when I was young.

My happiest memory is when I found out that I was admitted to TFFT’s Scholarship Program. This was the happiest day of my life! Since my two siblings who completed primary school were not able to advance to secondary school, I see the opportunity to attend school as a great gift. I was also very happy the first time I was able to meet my sponsor, Laura Thompson.

I am excited for the Learning Centre to open because if there are things that I was unable to learn at school, I can go to the Learning Centre for help. It will help me to supplement my studies and to learn other things like computer and life skills education. I believe the Learning Centre will help the community by providing classes and programs that are not taught in school or elsewhere. Parents who do not have enough money to buy books for their children can borrow from the library in the Learning Centre. They can also take their children to computer classes offered in the Learning Centre.

FATUMA: age 10, Class 5 at Usa River Academy

I am Fatuma and I am 10. I go to school at Usa River Academy and I love to read books. Before joining TFFT, I lived with my grandmother, and now I stay with her during school holidays. I used to struggle in school. The happiest day of my life was when TFFT came to my family to tell us that I would be sponsored for my studies. I am happy at Usa River Academy and thankful to be able to study at such a nice school. My teachers help me to improve my studies and stay motivated to do well in school.

I think the Learning Centre will be useful to the community because people will have access to learn skills such as tailoring and computer literacy. Also because there will be books in the library and students will come to read and learn different things outside of school.

NELSON: age 14, Class 5 at Usa River Academy

My name is Nelson. I joined TFFT in 2016 and started school at Usa River Academy on January 11th, 2016. My favorite subjects in school are math, science, and geography. I also like to read.

Before I joined TFFT, I was sponsored by another person to go to school. Unfortunately, after I finished class 3, my sponsor was unable to continue helping me so I had to stop attending school because my parents could not afford to pay tuition. This was upsetting to my parents and me. I am so thankful that in 2016, I was able to go to school again, sponsored by TFFT.

My goal is to study at university and then become a pilot. I believe that receiving an education will help me to support my community. I think that the Learning Centre will be very useful for me to learn computer skills and bring compassion to other people.

Thank you for supporting TFFT as we move into a new chapter. Your support means the most to our scholars, and time again we hear so many of them say that the happiest memory they have is when they found out that they would become a TFFT Scholar. We cannot wait to provide them with a space and resources that before they could have only imagined. Thank you for being a part of this with us. The Learning Centre truly will have a monumental impact on the lives of our scholars and the community as a whole.