MOMBASA, Kenya — Fifty-one students from coastal Kenya are set to pursue higher education abroad after securing scholarships facilitated by Dream Team Community-Based Organisation (CBO), opening a new chapter for young people from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
The beneficiaries, drawn from across coastal counties as well as other parts of Kenya, will undertake studies in countries including China, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
For many of the students, the scholarships represent more than an opportunity to study overseas. They offer a chance to break financial barriers that have kept higher education beyond the reach of some families.
Dream Team CBO supported the students through the application process, including filling in forms and securing admission letters from universities in the respective countries.
Speaking in Mombasa during a ceremony attended by the 51 beneficiaries, their parents and guardians, CBO Vice Chairperson John Kuti challenged the students to make the most of the opportunity while upholding discipline in their host countries.
Kuti also expressed his appreciation to the county government of Mombasa for its support, noting a significant increase in the number of scholarships awarded this year. Indonesia leads with 35 scholarships, followed by China with five, Saudi Arabia with five, Pakistan with four and Azerbaijan with two, bringing the total number of scholarships awarded to 51.
Mr Kuti reminded them that their conduct abroad would reflect not only on themselves but also on their families, the organisation, Mombasa County and Kenya.
“You need to carry yourself well and make sure you follow the laws of the countries you are going to. Remember why you went to that country and do what it takes to make us proud as a CBO, as Mombasa County and as a country, Kenya,” he said.
Beyond classrooms
Mr Kuti urged the beneficiaries to approach their studies with determination, saying education could become a catalyst for transforming their lives and improving the fortunes of their families.
He also encouraged the students to build meaningful networks while abroad and take advantage of exposure to different cultures.
“Let this chance be a life-changing opportunity. Use it well and make sure you build connections as you study because those connections will help you in the future. Embrace the different cultures, but do not forget yourself and your religion,” he said.
Among the beneficiaries is Hanifa Ahmed, who is set to travel to Indonesia to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Management.
Ms Ahmed said she had initially doubted her chances of securing the scholarship because of her academic performance.
She said she was surprised when she received an email confirming that she had been selected.
“I am so happy. I was not sure if I would qualify because many of those who receive scholarships have good grades, including As and Bs. I got a C+, so I was not sure if I would be lucky enough to receive the scholarship,” she said.
Ms Ahmed, who will be the first person in her family to attend university, expressed gratitude to Dream Team CBO chairperson Mama Salma Noor for supporting her application.
“I thank God for the opportunity. As the first child in my family to go to university, I am so grateful to Mama Salma Noor, the Chairperson of Dream Team CBO, for this opportunity,” she said.
She pledged to work hard and ensure the opportunity benefits both her family and the organisation that supported her.
“I will not take this chance for granted. I know many people would wish to get this opportunity, and for that reason, I will do everything it takes to make my family and Dream Team CBO proud,” Ms Ahmed said.
She also thanked the Indonesian Embassy for supporting the opportunity.
From scholarship recipient to future job creator
For Kevin Ochaye, the overseas scholarship is already proving to be a turning point.
Mr Ochaye, who is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering in China, received the scholarship last year and is now approaching the completion of his studies.
He said the support had helped him advance his academic and career ambitions while exposing him to opportunities he might otherwise not have accessed.
“Dream Team CBO took me as one of their own and gave me this opportunity, which has changed my life. I have been studying in China for one year and am about to complete my studies,” he said.
Mr Ochaye said he hoped to channel the skills gained abroad into initiatives that would benefit other young people.
“I hope to use the knowledge and skills I have gained to help create job opportunities for fellow young people,” he said.
Reaching students from disadvantaged backgrounds
Dream Team CBO said the scholarship programme aimed to widen access to higher education for deserving students, particularly those from financially constrained families.
The organisation said some beneficiaries would have faced significant difficulties pursuing university education without the scholarship opportunities.
It pledged to continue identifying and supporting students while creating pathways for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to access education and develop skills that can improve their economic prospects.
For the 51 beneficiaries, the journey now moves beyond securing admission letters. Their success will be measured not only by the degrees they earn, but also by how they use their international exposure and skills to contribute to their families and communities back home.
