Joseph Loibor – Winds of Change Scholarship beneficiary – Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nyandarua National Polytechnic | Laisamis Constituency, Marsabit County
“For me, these opportunities are not just about my school fees. They are about someone believing that I have potential.”
My educational journey is a story of determination, hope and the power of opportunity. It is a journey that began under circumstances where education was not initially a part of my life.
When I was young, my parents did not have the opportunity to take me to school. Instead, I was expected to look after our domestic animals. At the age of 13, however, something changed in me. I developed a strong interest in education. I wanted to go to school, even though it was against the wishes of my parents.
I made the personal decision to pursue education, and I joined primary school.
Starting school at that age was not easy. I had challenges to overcome, but I remained determined. I worked hard, stayed focused and eventually completed my primary education with excellent performance. My parents were very happy and proud of what I had achieved. However, there was another challenge waiting for me. They could not afford to pay for my secondary education.
After completing primary school, I stayed at home uncertain about what would happen next. I had the desire to continue learning, but I did not have financial means to do so. It was a difficult moment because I knew that my education could come to an end, not because I lacked ambition but because of circumstances beyond my control.
But I decided not to give up. One day I personally decided to look for help. I went and met the director of KDEF and shared my story with him. He was touched by my determination and the journey I had taken to pursue education. KDEF gave me an opportunity to continue with my secondary education by supporting my school fees throughout.
That opportunity changed my life.
With the support I received I was able to return to school and concentrate on my studies. I worked hard and successfully completed my secondary education with excellent grade.
At that point I was proud of what I had achieved, but I found myself facing the same question again. “What next?” I had completed secondary school, but I was worried about how I would proceed to tertiary education. Coming from a background where paying school fees was already a major challenge, I don’t know whether I would have the opportunity to continue with my education.
Then came another life-changing opportunity.
Lake Turkana Wind Power announced the Winds of Change Scholarship Program, aimed at supporting young people from Laisamis Constituency.
When I heard about the scholarship I was extremely happy. At the same time I wondered whether I would be among those considered. I knew there were many young people who also needed support.
I applied according to the scholarship criteria and waited with hope.
Finally, I received the news that I had been selected as one of the beneficiaries. That moment meant so much to me. I was extremely happy because I knew that another door had opened in my educational journey. The scholarship gave me an opportunity to continue my education at Nyandarua National Polytechnic, where I am pursuing my studies in electrical and electronic engineering.
My experience at Nyandarua National Polytechnic has been very important to me. The institution has given me an opportunity to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical technical skills. As an engineering student, I am gaining knowledge that I believe will prepare me for the world of work and enable me to contribute to the development of my community.
Looking back, I can see that my journey has been built around opportunities that came at a critical moment in my life. At 13 I made a decision to go to school. When I could not afford secondary education, I went out to seek help, and KDEF believed in my story.
After secondary school, when I was again uncertain about my future, Lake Turkana Wind Power opened another door through the Winds of Change Scholarship Fund. For me, these opportunities are not just about my school fees. They are about someone believing that I have potential.
They have taught me that your background does not have to determine your destination. I am deeply grateful to KDEF for supporting me through my secondary education and to Lake Turkana Wind Power for giving me an opportunity to continue my education at tertiary level.
The Winds of Change Scholarship has given more than an education. It has given me confidence, hope and a clearer vision of my future. My dream is to complete my studies and become a competent electrical and electronic engineering professional, and eventually use my knowledge and skills to contribute to my community and create opportunities for others.
Today, I am an engineering student with a dream and a future that I can now see more clearly. The journey has not been easy, but every challenge has made me stronger. Every opportunity has opened another door. And I believe this is only the beginning of my story.
Thank you, Lake Turkana Wind Power, for being a part of my journey and for giving me the opportunity to continue writing my story.
