Future Student: Justin Kimani Karanja

Desired School program:

Diploma in Community Development at Zetech College, Nairobi Campus. (2 years)

Community Development Course Outline:

• Information and communication technology

• Social work

• Communication skills

• Research

• Community Health

• Research Project

• Economics

• Administration

• History

• Law

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Management and Administration

• Kiswahili Language

Hi my name is Justin, I come from a small town in Kenya called Kimende in Kiambu west district. Since 2006, I have been a member and volunteer with the Kijabe Environmental Volunteers (KENVO). I have been working on various projects such as forest rehabilitation and restoration, community mobilisation with environmental education, and culture restoration. I greatly believe that having the opportunity to advance my education will allow me to greatly help my community. The program I have chosen to apply for is a two year diploma in Community Development at Zetech College in Nairobi. This program will also lead to a degree at Moi University in Nairobi.

I was lucky to take part in a six month Canada World Youth program cultural exchange and international education program. This was a very important learning experience in my life, which was made possible by KENVO who is my foundation stone in my life. I had lost hope and now I see the light at the end of the tunnel after being at KENVO as a volunteer for the last three years. I will continue to volunteer with KENVO and help my community through creating awareness for environmental conservation and the importance of volunteering to make a better community.

My decision to apply for this Community Development program is due to my current involvement in community development from my experience working with KENVO and Canada World Youth. I believe this college program will give me the skills and direction I need to really make a difference in my community, nationally, and internationally.

Why I need financial assistance:

I am the first born in a family of seven. My parents are small scale farmers and unable to support my college fees due to the little income they make. They are currently struggling to pay the high school fees for my brothers and sisters. My immediate and extended family are unable to contribute to my school fees due to the same reasons.

It is very hard to obtain a student loan. It is necessary to be well known and have an adequate family background thus I am unable to obtain a loan. That is why I am reaching out to find support for my education. Knowing that there is an organisation like Education is Power brings a lot of hope to me and my community.

I saved my pocket money during my Canada World Youth exchange to put all to my living expenses while at school. I plan to organise fundraisers in my community to help support myself and as well create awareness for Education is Power.

Future Goals

My future goal is to really help my community and entire country. I want to elevate people out of poverty through awareness creation, mobilisation and community involvement in various projects and other activities that can benefit them. One of my plans is to help my community in capacity building and empowerment. I can do this by offering training, and help them to acquire knowledge and skills to help them with their problems and help them utilise their resources effectively. I also wish to extend my efforts and help create awareness against HIV and AIDS.

Budget for First Year

School costs:

Registration fee: KSH 500

Library fee: 2000 KSH

Refundable Caution fee: 2000KSH

Project fee: 2000KSH

Tuition fee: 80 000 Ksh

Examination fee 10 000

Books: 3100 Ksh

Total School Costs: 99600Ksh ($1365USD)

Living expenses

Accommodation: 3500KSH / month x 3 terms = 31500Ksh

Food: 54000 KSH / year (6000/month plus fuel for cooking)

Transport 100ksh / day at 9 months = 27000ksh

Total: 112 000ksh ($1535 USD)

Total Budget for first year: 211600ksh ($2900)

Contact information

Justin Kimani Karanja

Address: PO Box 49 00221, Matathia, Kenya

Phone: +254 725 067 408

Email: jkimkenvo@yahoo.com

Age: 23