Hundreds of youth in Nyeri have benefited from a two-day mentorship programme which was designed to inspire and equip them with information to take up foreign education scholarships.
The mentorship which was organised by Option Education Agency, targeted youth who recently completed their secondary school education and those who scored a mean grade of D Plain and above.
According to the Hellen Meria, the director at the agency, the initiative aimed at providing personalized guidance which students will use to set realistic goals and develop them actionable plans.
“Studying abroad is not just a dream, it is an opportunity to learn, grow, and bring back valuable skills to our communities. Some students choose to return home to build our country, while others prefer to stay and pursue permanent residence in those countries,” she told the participants.
The event featured interactive workshops and one-on-one mentorship sessions led by experienced educators and former international students. Participants also received vital information on the application processes, scholarship opportunities, and cultural adaptation strategies necessary for those hoping to study abroad.
A unique aspect of the programme was the establishment of mentorship pairs, where students were matched with mentors who undertaken their studies overseas. Hellen said that at the end of the mentorship programme, the agency will provide follow-up sessions and online resources to ensure that students continue to have access to the information they need as they navigate their paths to studying abroad.
“We’ve decided to bring Australia to Nyeri to make it easier for students to explore their options. We believe Australia is the best study destination, considering the exceptional opportunities it offers,” said Hellen.
Joy Maingi, who benefited from the mentorship lauded the agency for the empowerment session. She said that the session had restored her confidence pursuing scholarships and pursue her dreams of studying abroad.
‘”I never thought studying abroad was possible. Now I feel prepared to take the next steps,” said Ms Maingi.
By Njoki Nderitu and Waithera Mumbi
