This week, we proudly celebrate the remarkable journey of Teresia, a driven and ambitious 22-year-old from Kilifi County, Kenya. Raised in a family of five, Teresia grew up witnessing her mother’s tireless efforts in casual jobs to ensure their family’s basic needs were met. Despite significant financial hurdles, especially in accessing quality education, Teresia’s resilience and determination never wavered.
With the support of the Learn! Foundation, she completed her secondary education at Mnarani Secondary School, a local day school in Kilifi. While day schools in Kenya often face systemic challenges and typically underperform compared to boarding institutions, Teresia stood out. Through sheer dedication and academic excellence, she defied the odds and earned a place at Lukenya University in Makueni County.
Now in her third year, Teresia is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Education, specializing in Mathematics and Computer Studies—a rigorous and highly competitive program. Her academic journey not only showcases her intellectual capabilities but also her deep commitment to becoming an impactful educator and changemaker in her community.
Teresia's leadership skills recently came to the fore when she successfully contested for the role of Cabinet Secretary for Government-Sponsored Students in Lukenya University's student government. This influential and highly competitive position underscores her growing impact and positions her as a role model for young women in higher education.
During university breaks, Teresia gives back to her community by volunteering at the Learn! Centre. There, she mentors younger students in the Digital Empowerment for All Learners (D.E.A.L) project, sharing her knowledge in computer studies with enthusiasm and clarity. Her strong IT skills and warm approach have made her a favorite among the children, who gain invaluable skills and confidence under her guidance.
Thanks to the opportunities created by the Learn! Foundation, Teresia is thriving—not only as a student but as a skilled educator-in-training, a tech-savvy leader, and a beacon of hope for her family and the wider Kilifi community. Her journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of investing in young women, especially in fields where they have been historically underrepresented.
As Teresia continues to challenge stereotypes and uplift those around her, we are confident that her future is as bright as her determination.
