Moja Tu provides not only school tuition to disadvantaged Kenyan youth (which in itself is critical in Kenya, where many cannot afford to go to school), they encourage the development of relationships between sponsors and recipients. I sponsor a young woman to go to secondary school, have met her twice on trips to Kenya, and communicate with her through Moja Tu sponsored Skype sessions, and letter writing.
Encouragement, mentoring, love, and guidance is of utmost importance to the success of many of these youth. Just think - how many people can thrive with only monitory support? I have seen my student grow in confidence along with improvement of her grades. I am hopeful that after graduation, I can continue to help her with technical training in order that she can compete in the job market, and realize employment in a land of scarce opportunity.
It's been a win-win relationship ; I provide only $75/month for her tuition, full board, uniforms, books..and in return am learning about a young woman from a country and culture so different from mine. How can I not part with a measly $75 - I have so much.
While not in school, or at her guardian's in a remote village, she stays at an orphanage (pictures below) where her possessions fit into 1 trunk, takes baths out of a bucket, uses a long drop toilet (ie: squats over a hole in the ground), takes meals that were cooked over a fire.... and this is a very nice place full of children that are loved by their overseers.
I know that through Moja Tu, I have been able to give her an opportunity to rise out of poverty, and sustain herself. And I am much richer for having done so, and thank Moja Tu for providing me with that opportunity.