Faithy, Portobello Promenade - ‘changes in my life’

“I grew up in Mbale, a rural part of western Kenya, in a home built with natural materials. Daily life taught me resilience early - like fetching water from a kilometre away and helping cook over firewood outdoors.

I was a bright student. I loved maths. I won a scholarship from the Mastercard Foundation to a very good school in Nairobi, about 9 hours from home. There was a big class distinction there. I was privileged, but I was one of the privileged poor. This could have affected my studies, but my scholarship mentor encouraged me to focus on my grades. I did that, and soon kids from the higher classes were asking me for help! I gained respect from that.

In university I was shy, but I pushed my boundaries and went on youth leadership programmes in the US and UAE. After university I worked in youth leadership development. Then, in 2020, the Mastercard Foundation awarded me a scholarship for a Masters in African International Development at Edinburgh University. 

Today I work in Edinburgh University as a recruitment coordinator, supporting African-based students applying to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and then into their relevant degree program at the University.” 

What's the best decision you've made?

“To be a Christian. 

Like most people in my village growing up I went to church. But it wasn't something I really understood. But my faith is more alive now. Ever since I decided to embrace Christianity I've seen changes in my life. I think in more clear ways, and I have a community here. My faith, my church, Christianity, has rooted me here.

It feels like home, you know.”