Faith’s Story

“I would now like to make a change in Africa and the world because of the difference you made in my life. Thank you for your support!”
– Faith, Akili Dada scholar

Akili Dada is working hard to expand our leadership pipeline to deliver incredible young women leaders like Faith, an 18-year-old Kenyan bursting with big plans and ideas even before graduating from high school in December of 2011.

Working with friends, Faith recently co-founded AZMA.co.ke., a social network initiative aimed at expanding and coordinating community service efforts among high school students in Kenya. The network offers a platform to facilitate the exchange of ideas and discussions as well as organizing community service activities, mentoring, and outreach events across the country. Partner organizations Akirachix, Ushahidi, and the Kuyu Project guided and supported Faith and her co-founders in this effort.

Raised in one of Kenya’s toughest slums, Faith has overcome extraordinary obstacles to become the accomplished young woman and outstanding leader she is today.  Continuing to meet Akili Dada’s rigorous academic and community service requirements, Faith served as the top student leader (Head Girl) at her high school while also leading the school rugby team, singing in the school choir, and teaching herself to play the piano.

Having just finished high school, Faith plans to continue building AZMA while joining Akili Dada’s Fellowship program as an intern in their Nairobi office.  The Akili Dada Fellows Program provides a modest stipend to recent high school alumnae who gain valuable work experience and mentor the continuing Akili Dada high school scholars, while engaged in the extensive process of applying to universities. (100% of Akili Dada’s high school alumnae have earned full scholarships to universities in Kenya and abroad).

Faith attributes her leadership skills to all the mentoring she received from Akili Dada, and her inspiration to older “Dadas,” of whom she writes: “I look at the Akili Dada alumnae – very successful, zealous, and determined young ladies. They will soon be the movers and shakers of our country, continent, and the world!”

In a recent letter to the Akili Dada team, Faith reflected on her own experience as a ‘Dada’:

“Four years ago, I came knocking at your door seeking help…You were the blessing I needed the most and you welcomed me with open arms. From the girl whose self-esteem was so injured to the confident and very outgoing girl you see today, it is undeniable that this is success on your part… Akili Dada makes such a difference for many Kenyan girls. I would now like to make a change in Africa and the world because of the difference you made in my life. Thank you for your support!”