KTDA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME ALUMNI GRADUATE

In line with the SDG 4 which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, the KTDA Foundation in its education pillar aims to improve access to secondary school education for bright and financially challenged students and to enhance the quality of education and lifelong learning.

KTDA Foundation boasts of awarding 898 scholarships to needy students in tea catchment areas under the KTDA National Tea Scholarship programme. 262 beneficiaries of the programme have been admitted to university between 2016 to 2019. Two alumni, Mercy Chepngeno and Yabesh Ratemo, from region 5 and 6, respectively, were among the pioneers of the programme since its commencement in 2013, have both graduated in November 2020.

Mercy Chepgeno, graduated last week with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science degree. The graduate was awarded a scholarship in 2013, where she joined St.Mary’s Girls’ High School, Bomet.

“I really lack words to express my gratitude to the KTDA Foundation. Since I got the scholarship back in the year 2013, I have never been the same again. I always feel motivated in whatever I do, the Foundation has impacted my life academically, socially and spiritually through the mentorship programme that it had each and every year.

Now my dream has been fulfilled and I have achieved my goal and I am ready to give back to the society and be a good example to the rest of KTDA Foundation beneficiaries who are still studying, my achievement is because of your continued support throughout my academic journey, thank you KTDA Foundation,” said Mercy.

On 14^th November 2020, the other beneficiary, Yabesh Ratemo Oyaro graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration – Finance and Economics, Second Class upper-division. Yabesh received a scholarship to study in Maranda High School, after which he was admitted to the university.

Yabesh had this to say,

“I am honored to be one of the recipients of the KTDA Foundation Scholarship. Thank you for your generous support. You restored hope that was slowly fading away and brought back not only my vision, but that of my family and the community at large.

Growing up in a less privileged family did not only offer financial and academic constraints, but also helped me realize the value of education as a whole. I never knew I could go to a national school with school fees of over Ksh.90,000 per year, but KTDA Foundation made it possible for me and sponsored me to study in Maranda High School till form four. That was the dawn of a bright future. It enabled me to secure university entry points and join Kenya Methodist University.

Words cannot explain how appreciative I am of your support. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Even as I step into the outside world, I am looking forward to sharing the seed of kindness which you sowed in my heart.”

The Foundation wishes the two all the best in their future endeavours and is very proud of the milestone they have achieved.