OAIC Scholarship Made my Dream Come True

My name is Emily Atieno Murigi, married to George Murigi and we are blessed with two handsome boys, Hadriel Klaus Murigi and Baruch Yann Murigi. I am the seventh born in a family of 12 children. We were born and raised in Mathare Slums. None of my siblings progressed beyond the standard six level because my parents were financially unable to educate us. However, I was fortunate enough to receive academic support from Action child Centre which took me in and paid for my primary school education. In as much as this motivated me to work so hard, at the back of my mind was the reality that I may not be able to progress beyond class eight because I will have to stay home or get married as that is the perceived order of the day in Mathare Slums.

Tell us how you came to know about OAIC.

I came to know about OAIC in the year 2000 when I was studying at Action Child Center Primary school located at Mathare 4A Slums. When I was in class seven, OAIC was invited to one of our prize giving day ceremonies where Mr. Padwick was the guest of honor. I received several awards one of which included the best student award.  After the ceremony, Mr. Padwick inquired about my background from the then head teacher Mr. Tobias Owili, after which he promised to see me through my high school education.

What virtue did the scholarship instill in you?

Faithfulness and compassion for others. I term of faithfulness, I always received my school fees in cash after which I was expected to pay to the school. Through this I was accountable for all the financial support that I received which included money for; transport, shopping and that of my upkeep. This virtue has continued to be made manifest in my life until today. I have been entrusted with a large sum of money in the organization where I serve and no single coin has unaccounted for in my docket. Secondly, in terms of compassion, I have learnt that there is none on the planet of the earth who cannot make it in life if given an opportunity. I have developed a heart for children who are vulnerable in society and I continue to lend a helping hand as much as I can to give them an opportunity to realize their dream.

How has OAIC helped developed the woman leader in you?

In as much as some people are born leaders, there those who develop into leadership through education and empowerment. Through OAIC recognizing my potential I have developed leadership skills and self–worth. In my area of profession, every time I continue to receive respect from my collegues, I know that I am worthy of such respect because of the confidence that I received from being recognized by OAIC.

How do you give back to OAIC as a person?

Today, I am giving back to OAIC by using the skills gained to assist the community and my family. Since the year 2011, I have taken up the responsibility of raising my late sister’s children by housing them and ensuring all their needs are met. The eldest one cleared high school in 2017, and the second born is now in the final year, and the third born is in form three. I did not want these children to go through the challenges I faced while growing up. It has not been an easy journey but God has been faithful.

How has the scholarship contributed to your success?

As a person, I am where I am, one because of God and two, because of the OAIC scholarship. I hold a Diploma in Hospitality Management and currently pursuing a Degree in Business Administration at Africa Nazarene University. Currently, I am working with Act Change Transform; a local NGO in Kenya that deals with Democracy and Human Rights, Environment and Natural Resource and Peace Building. In the near future, I am planning to start a foundation that will be focusing on supporting children’s education within the Kenyan community.

Any word of advice to women who feel there is no hope?

Never give up on yourself despite all the difficulties you face in life. Refuse to devalue yourself even when others devalue you. As a young girl, you have to focus on where you want to go and do not let anyone or anything destruct you even if it means dropping friends who are not helping you go forward. As a person, I had to make a decision and let go of some of my close friends when I realized that they were going to make me lose my focus. As a woman, it is always important to develop self- worth but above all put your trust in God who makes all things beautiful in His own time.