MOMBASA, Kenya – Fifty-one needy students from across the coastal counties have benefited from a scholarship programme that will enable them to pursue their studies abroad through Dream Team CBO.
The students were supported by the CBO throughout the application process, from filling out application forms to receiving admission letters from various universities abroad, including institutions in China, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Speaking in Mombasa during a ceremony that brought together the 51 scholarship awardees, their parents and guardians, Dream Team CBO Vice Chairperson John Kuti urged the students to maintain discipline while studying in their respective host countries.
Kuti noted that the students would not only be representing themselves but also their families, the CBO, Mombasa County and Kenya as a whole.
“You need to carry yourself well and make sure you follow the laws of the countries you are going to. Remember why you went to that country and do what it takes to make us proud as a CBO, as Mombasa County and as a country, Kenya,” he said.
Kuti also urged the students to remain committed to acquiring knowledge, noting that education remains an important tool for transforming their lives and those of their families.
“Let this chance be a life-changing opportunity. Use it well and make sure you build connections as you study because those connections will help you in the future. Embrace the different cultures, but do not forget yourself and your religion,” Kuti said.
One of the beneficiaries, Hanifa Ahmed, who is travelling to Indonesia to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Management, said she was initially unsure whether she would qualify for the scholarship because of her grades.
Ahmed said she was surprised after applying and receiving a confirmation email informing her that she had been selected for the scholarship.
“I am so happy. I was not sure if I would qualify because many of those who receive scholarships have good grades, including As and Bs. I got a C+, so I was not sure if I would be lucky enough to receive the scholarship. I thank God for the opportunity. As the first child in my family to go to university, I am so grateful to Mama Salma Noor, the Chairperson of Dream Team CBO, for this opportunity,” she said.
Hanifa assured the CBO and her family that she would make the most of the opportunity and work hard in her studies.
“I will not take this chance for granted. I know many people would wish to get this opportunity, and for that reason, I will do everything it takes to make my family and Dream Team CBO proud. I am also grateful to the Indonesian Embassy for the opportunity,” she said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Kevin Ochae, who is pursuing a Master’s degree in Software Engineering in China. Ochae, who was awarded the scholarship last year, said the opportunity had played a significant role in helping him achieve his academic and career goals.
“I was given an opportunity to study abroad, and I cannot take it for granted. Dream Team CBO took me as one of their own and gave me this opportunity, which has changed my life. I have been studying in China for one year and am about to complete my studies. I hope to use the knowledge and skills I have gained to help create job opportunities for fellow young people,” Ochae said.
Dream Team CBO said it was pleased to see young people receive opportunities that could transform their lives and those of their families.
The organisation noted that some of the scholarship beneficiaries come from extremely needy backgrounds and would otherwise have faced significant challenges in accessing higher education.
The CBO said it would continue supporting deserving students and creating opportunities that enable young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to access quality education and build better futures.
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