When Vincent believed his education had ended after secondary school, one introduction – and one determined journey to Nairobi – opened a new path forward and the chance to continue his education in Kenya.
Growing up in Kenya with his mother and three siblings, Vincent knew from an early age that opportunities could not be taken for granted.
His mother raised the family in difficult circumstances and, with little money available, even completing secondary school was uncertain. With support from well-wishers, Vincent was able to finish school – becoming the first person in his family to complete secondary education.
But when school ended, Vincent believed his education had ended too.
“I had no money, no clear plan and no idea what my future would look like. I thought I would simply have to find a hustle and survive with whatever life brought my way.”
When Vincent looks back at what happened next, his faith is an important part of how he tells his story. He describes his journey in one word: “grace” – and believes the people who came into his life did so at exactly the right time.
An introduction that changed everything
During this period, Vincent met Ayiesa, a former Rafiki Thabo scholar who now plays an important role in our work in Kenya – and who some of you may recognise from our BBC Radio 4 Appeal earlier this year.
“At the time, I could not have known how significant that meeting would become. Looking back now, I believe with all my heart that God sent Ayiesa into my life at the right moment.”
Ayiesa introduced Vincent to Rafiki Thabo Foundation. Through that introduction, Vincent was given the opportunity to study for a Diploma in Building and Construction at Kasarani Technical Vocational College.
For someone who had already accepted that secondary school might be the end of his education, it was a moment Vincent still remembers clearly.
“A door opened that I had never imagined would open again – the door to education.”
But having the opportunity to go to college didn’t mean all the barriers had disappeared.
There was one very immediate problem.
Vincent couldn’t afford the fare to Nairobi.
“So I sold it.”
Vincent had a bicycle. It was one of the few valuable things he owned.
“So I sold it. I sold my bicycle so that I could raise enough money to travel to college.”
It’s a simple sentence, but it says a great deal about just how determined Vincent was to take the opportunity in front of him.
For him, that bicycle – and the journey it paid for – has come to represent much more.
“Today, when I think about that moment, it brings tears to my eyes – not because I regret selling the bicycle, but because I realise how much hope was attached to that journey.”
He was setting off for college without knowing exactly what would happen next.
But something had changed.
“I was leaving with very little in my hands, but I was carrying something I had almost lost: hope.”
“I did not know how far I would go. I did not know what the future held. I only knew that someone had opened a door for me, and I had to walk through it.”
From scholar to a new beginning
With support from Rafiki Thabo Foundation, Vincent continued his studies and has now completed his Diploma in Building and Construction – becoming the first person in his family to reach higher education.
Looking back, he describes Rafiki Thabo’s support as much more than the opportunity to gain a qualification.
“Rafiki Thabo Foundation became part of a turning point in my life. They did not simply support my education; they helped me believe that my story could be different.”
The young man who once thought his education would end at secondary school had gone on to college.
As Vincent puts it:
“The young man who was searching for a hustle found a pathway to a profession.”
And his drive to create opportunities for himself hasn’t stopped there.
Alongside his studies, Vincent has opened a small food business near the college, selling food to students part-time. When Ayiesa recently visited Kasarani and discovered what Vincent had been doing, he described him simply as “so enterprising!”
It’s perhaps not surprising when you consider the determination that got Vincent to college in the first place.
One opportunity can lead to another
There is another part of Vincent’s story that makes it particularly special to us.
Ayiesa was once a Rafiki Thabo scholar himself.
Today, he is helping other young people access opportunities – and it was his introduction that connected Vincent with Rafiki at a time when Vincent had almost stopped believing further education was possible.
Vincent now hopes to create his own ripple effect.
When we asked about his future in our 2025 impact survey, he told us:
“I look forward to helping further the community after completing my studies.”
One former scholar helping another young person access education. That young person completing his studies and wanting to help others in turn.
It’s a powerful reminder that the impact of an educational opportunity can reach much further than one individual.
Looking back – and looking forward
Vincent’s faith remains central to how he understands his journey.
“When I could not see a way, God made a way. When I had almost stopped dreaming, He gave me a reason to dream again.”
His gratitude also extends to all the people who helped him along the way: his mother, who raised him and his siblings in difficult circumstances; the well-wishers who helped him complete secondary school; Ayiesa, whose introduction opened another door; and Rafiki Thabo Foundation and its supporters.
Perhaps Vincent sums up his journey best himself:
“You thought high school was the end. You thought you were only looking for a hustle. You thought selling your bicycle was simply a way to get to Nairobi. But God was writing a bigger story.”
Today, Vincent has completed his Diploma in Building and Construction, become the first person in his family to reach higher education, started a small business and is already thinking about how he can help others in his community.
For Vincent, it’s a new beginning. And for us, his story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when determination meets opportunity.
Help create more opportunities like Vincent’s
There are talented and determined young people across Kenya, Uganda and Lesotho whose education is at risk simply because they cannot afford to continue.
With your support, we can help remove those financial barriers and give more young people the opportunity to continue their education and build their own futures.
Find out more about our scholarship programme and how you can support our work here.
