By Silas Otieno

There is no greater fulfillment than shaping the future by empowering young minds. This spirit of mentorship and collective progress brought together students, Mastercard Foundation Scholar mentors, and distinguished guests for a transformative mentorship event at Kisima Mixed Secondary School and Kisima Girls High School in Samburu County on Friday, February 21.

The event, led by USIU-Africa Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi, alongside the Director of Advancement and Partnerships, Mr. Eannes Ongus, provided an opportunity for students to engage with 46 Mastercard Foundation Scholar mentors. With 600 students from Kisima Mixed and 700 from Kisima Girls High School in attendance, the mentorship sessions focused on education, resilience, and opportunities beyond the classroom.

The event began with cultural performances by the students, which set an energetic and welcoming atmosphere. Mr. Ongus opened the discussions with an overview of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa, outlining its benefits and the extensive support available to students. Encouraging the learners to stay committed to their education, he remarked, “Academic excellence opens doors. Take charge of your learning journey, seek knowledge beyond the classroom, and embrace every opportunity to grow.”

The Mastercard Foundation Scholar mentors then introduced themselves, sharing their diverse backgrounds, fields of study, and personal experiences. Their stories resonated deeply with the students, who listened with admiration and excitement. For many, it was a defining moment—seeing individuals from across Africa who had overcome obstacles to achieve their goals was both motivating and eye-opening.

In his keynote address, Prof. Ntarangwi urged the students to look beyond their current circumstances and embrace their potential. “Your background does not define you; it is what you do with the opportunities in front of you that matters,” he emphasized, encouraging them to strive for excellence and become well-rounded individuals ready for the world.

A highlight of the day was the powerful testimonies from two sisters and alumni of Kisima Girls High School, Aziza Lesorogol and Penina Lesorogol, who returned to inspire the next generation of change-makers.

Aziza, now working with the Department of Immigration in Samburu County, reminded students that success is driven by determination and mindset, not background.

“I know what it feels like to come from a community where challenges can make you doubt yourself, where it’s easy to feel stuck and think that success is out of reach. Nevertheless, remember, your background is just a starting point, not a limit. It is your determination, your hunger for knowledge, and your belief in yourself that will take you beyond what you ever imagined. I am here as a testament, so can you,” she said.

Building on this, Penina Lesorogol, currently based in Austria, shared her journey of resilience and achievement, urging the students to believe in their capabilities, “Your determination and mindset will take you further than any limitations society may place on you. Today, I am a global citizen, courtesy of Kisima Girls High School. So, where do we get the courage to think we can’t?” She asked.

Silvia Baptees, another proud alumna of Kisima Girls High School, spoke to the students about self-awareness, reflecting on her emotional journey. She shared that after completing high school in 2014, financial difficulties prevented her from enrolling in university right away. However, she refused to let circumstances and time dictate her future, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience in overcoming challenges.

“In the eyes of human beings, it may have seemed too late, but I never saw it that way. There is no such thing as ‘too late’ when you are determined to pursue your dreams,” she said passionately. She reassured the students not to be swayed by external opinions, adding, “Never let the thoughts of others limit you. They have no power over your destiny, only you do. Why should you tell yourself you can’t? I stand here today, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar and a student of psychology at USIU-Africa, because I never allowed challenges and time to determine my fate. Believe in the power within you.”

The mentorship continued in interactive classroom sessions, where students engaged with the Mastercard Foundation Scholar mentors on topics such as academic performance, self-awareness, and peer influence. The discussions were lively, with students asking insightful questions and mentors offering valuable guidance on overcoming challenges.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Silvester Letoluai, Principal of Kisima Mixed Secondary School, expressed his gratitude for the initiative, saying, “What we have witnessed today is beyond inspiration- it is a call to action. I urge all students to take this as a challenge to believe in their potential and work towards their dreams.”