Success Story
🎓 Breaking Barriers: Mohammed Zaituni's Story of Empowerment
The Steep Cost of Potential in Kenya's Informal Settlements
Mohammed Zaituni's potential was threatened by the harsh realities of Kibera, one of Africa's largest informal settlements. Despite her intellectual promise, her educational journey was constantly jeopardized by limited access to necessities and the crushing burden of school fees.
This challenge reflects a national crisis: an estimated 2.5 million children aged 4-17 are out of school in Kenya (UNICEF, 2021). For youth in informal settlements, the barriers are compounded, leading to low tertiary education enrollment and a heightened risk of unfulfilled potential. Without intervention, Mohammed was on track to join the large percentage of vulnerable youth denied access to higher education, stalling her trajectory toward a self-sufficient life.
A Beacon of Hope for Kibera
Mohammed's ambition was not just personal; it was a commitment to her community. By pursuing a university degree, she aimed to return as an educated, empowered role model, demonstrating that success is possible even from the most challenging environments. Her graduation represents a crucial shift - from a potential statistic of vulnerability to a beacon of hope whose career success will directly benefit her family and inspire her peers in Kibera.
What Hope Beyond Initiative (HBI) Did: Catalyzing a Future
In 2014, Hope Beyond Initiative (HBI), in strategic partnership with Gulf African Bank, provided the decisive intervention. Mohammed was awarded a full scholarship to cover her secondary education, which enabled her to pursue her tertiary education at the prestigious Moi University in Kenya.
This support was a catalyst:
·      Secondary School Excellence: The scholarship removed financial stress, allowing her to excel academically.
·      Tertiary Access: It ensured her smooth transition to university, a vital step often missed by vulnerable students, thereby contributing to the national goal of increasing tertiary enrollment (Gross Enrollment Rate in tertiary education was 13% for men and 10% for women in 2017).
·      Graduation and Readiness: She successfully graduated as a Class of '24 graduate, equipped with the skills and confidence to launch a successful career.Â
HBI and Gulf African Bank provided the bridge that transformed raw potential into tangible achievement.
Values in Action
The tangible impact of this partnership affirms the core values of both HBI and Gulf African Bank, demonstrating deep social responsibility:
|
Stakeholder |
Confession (Affirmation of HBI/GAB's Values) |
Value Affirmed |
|
Donor (Gulf African Bank) |
"Thanks to the support of Hope Beyond Initiative and Gulf African Bank, I received a scholarship in 2014 that enabled me to pursue my education... I am now a graduate." (Mohammed Zaituni, Class '24 Graduate, Moi University, affirmed by HBI website) |
Ethical Investment, Social Responsibility |
|
Local Authority (Reflective) |
[A graduate from the Kibera community is a new community asset]: "Today, as a graduate, she is ready to embark on a successful career," which is critical in a country facing high youth unemployment. |
Youth Empowerment, Skill Development, and Employability |
|
Community (Reflective) |
Mohammed's story is a testament to the power of support, proving that young people from the slums of Kibera can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. |
Dignity, Hope, Breaking the Cycle of Poverty |
Scaling Opportunity and Building a Resilient Community
Mohammed Zaituni is now set to leverage her university education to enter the job market, securing a professional career that will not only ensure her own financial independence but also allow her to support her family and invest back into her community.
Through this sustained partnership, HBI and Gulf African Bank seek to establish a continuous pipeline of educated, self-reliant leaders. We expect that by providing comprehensive scholarship and mentorship, the program will achieve a tertiary completion rate of over 90% for its beneficiaries. This directly addresses systemic inequality and contributes to the realization of a stronger, more resilient community where children and youth from all backgrounds have an equitable chance to thrive.
By donating to Hope Beyond Initiative, you are actively investing in the economic future of Kenya, one empowered child at a time.