Samuel Wakang’u Kiarie became founding student of Education Is Power when he started his undergraduate degree at Kenyatta University in 2008. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Environmental Education in 2012; he then graduated with a Master of Environmental Studies and Community Development in 2016, both at Kenyatta University, Kenya. Samuel continues to give back to Education Is Power and his community greatly. He has put a lot of work into the development of EIP in Kenya, which has been a great benefit for the organization given his vast experience in community development. Sam has played a crucial role in developing EIP’s environmental outreach programs in Kimende, Kenya which brings kids outside of the classroom to learn about ecological sustainability.

The following is an interview with Samuel after his graduation from his master’s program in 2016: 

1.       What is the name of the specific educational program you completed including any major?

Masters of Environmental Studies (Community Development)

2.       What was your favourite part of the program or going to school in general?

Both the theory and thesis were very interesting, educational and informative. Not forgetting the new network I developed through interacting with my fellow students.

3.      How does gaining a post-secondary education help you succeed in life?

Post secondary education has played a great role in my life. It has developed my personality, provided physical and mental stimulation and transformed my living status. It has provided me with confidence by giving me greater knowledge and skills in many fields that enabled me to become a critical thinker who can make wise decisions

4.       Where are you working now? Does it help you find a good job having a post-secondary education?

I am working with Daughters of Charity in Kenya as the Program Coordinator. Post-secondary education is one of the key factors considered when seeking a good job. The higher the education level acquired the more you stand a chance to secure a better job.

5.      What are your future goals and career plans?

I hope to establish a community centre that promotes life for transformation and will enhance environmental and community sustainable development. It is also my plan that in the near future I will pursue my doctorate degree.

6.      Why should donors support Education Is Power?

As Nelson Mandela put it, education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Therefore, getting proper education is very necessary to gain success and a happy life just like right food is necessary for a healthy body. This is the wish and desire of each and every young person in Africa of which their dream is shut down by the fact that most people in Africa are very poor and education is very expensive. Therefore, I believe that EIP can  rescue  these young people who want to pursue their career but are limited by poverty.  It is because of this I strongly encourage well wishers, donors among others to join hands and support EIP who continues to assist the underprivileged young people in Africa to acquire education.

7.      Any other comments?

In such a competitive world, education has become a necessity for human beings after food, clothing and shelter. Education is able to provide solutions to all problems; it promotes healthy habits and encourages awareness about corruption, terrorism, and other social issues among us. Therefore by enabling young people acquire education, you not only change their life but also change the world.

 

Family History and Background

(Written by Samuel Wakang’u Kiarie in 2008)

Hi, my name is Samuel Wakang’u Kiarie.  I am from Kimende, Kenya which is about 50km Northwest of Nairobi. I am the oldest sibling among my three sisters and five brothers.  I also have my Mom and Dad and several cousins.  Three of my sisters and brothers are in primary school and two are in secondary school.  Two of my siblings have finished their final year of high school and are now at home with hope that one day they will get money and continue with their studies.  It is my plan to help them.  When I finish studying and get a job, I will be in a position to help pay for their college fees.  As small scale farmers, it is not possible for my parents to support all of us.

I live about 50km northwest of Nairobi in a small village called Kimende, located in Lari Division, Kiambu District in south central Kenya.  I finished secondary school and attained good marks to join university but I did not join because of a lack of money which my parents could not afford.

So, instead of idling, I decided to volunteer with KENVO (The Kijabe Environment Volunteers) in environmental conservation and community development of which I like very much.  How I became involved with KENVO was back in 1998 when I was a member of the school environment/ wildlife club and it so happened that KENVO invited us for the celebration of world environment day.  Since environmental/wildlife conservation has been my interest and dream, I got interested with the activities that KENVO was undertaking, and with no time I joined KENVO as a volunteer.  I continue to volunteer to date.

Through KENVO I came to learn about the Canada World Youth (CWY) international education program which sounded like an amazing program.  I became interested in the kind of the work they were doing so I applied, and luckily enough I was given a chance to participate in a six month program in 2006-2007.  I really benefited a lot from this program.  It increased my capacity on how to become a more responsible global citizen and to follow CWY’s mission to participate actively in the development of just, harmonious and sustainable societies.  It has also helped me to learn more about environmental conservation in the global perspective, different cultures and community development.  I also gained good communication, leadership and facilitation skills, self-confidence among others.  The CWY program has made me become more focused in life and to be a good leader.

Since I finished High school it has been my wish to go back to higher level studies and attain more skills so that I can serve the environment/wildlife and the society in the best way possible.  Unfortunately, I have been limited by school fees. So it’s my hope that I could receive some assistance toward my school fees and then I will go back to school and my dream will come true.  Without assistance I do not see going to College or University as a possibility.  It’s also my dream that once finished a degree in environmental education; I will be in a position to work towards opening an environmental education centre for local children combined with an international research centre and sustainable eco-tourism operation.

 

Photo:  Samuel Wakang’u (centre) with Asra(left) and Lightness – some of his teammates in his Canada World Youth program

Past Updates on Samuel

November, 2013

Samuel has won the Canada World Youth Outstanding Overseas Leadership Award for 2013 for his project  Community Volunteers Service Kenya (CVSK).  Read more on CVSK here.

Photo:  Samuel Wakang’u graduates from his Bachelor of Science and Environmental Education in December 2012 at Kenyatta University, Nairobi

Photo:  Cutting the cake at Samuel Wakang’u’s graduation party at his family home in Kimende, Kenya – December 14, 2012

 

Photo:  Samuel Wakang’u planting a tree at a community environmental education event he is helping to lead.

 

I would like to bring to your attention that I am still in my academic journey, where currently I am trying to gain enough support to complete my Masters in Environmental Studies (community development) at Kenyatta University.  The journey is long, demanding and challenging, but I am glad because Education is Power and friends have tirelessly worked hard to support and shape my journey in terms of finance and moral support.  Your support always gives me hope and encourages me to courageously continue working hard toward achieving my goals.  For sure I  get overwhelmed by your love and generosity to an extent that I lack the best word to express my appreciation, but anyways please receive my deep hearted gratitude and may God bless you abundantly.

Photo:  Edith Mwangi (left), Samuel Wakang’u (Centre) and Dave Cuddy promote Eduaction is Power.

I believe Education is Power (EIP) has the KEY to success for most young people in Africa because education is power and a key to a bright destiny.  Therefore I kindly request each and every one of us to join hands together to support EIP, thus empowering one who can empower others.  My future vision for EIP is to see it grow to a very big charity with the capacity to give educational opportunities to determined young people across Africa.

Our major challenge has been the ability to fundraise enough money to fully support the current and upcoming students.  The other challenge is high expectations from the community where they think EIP has the capacity to fully support all young people to simultaneously enroll in various academic institutions.

On the other hand the community fully supports and embraces the EIP and they are looking forward to see it grow big, far and wide and to incorporate many young people at all academic levels.

My position within EIP is that I am one of the founding students and one who helped conceive the idea of EIP.  I also help in coordination of EIP activities here in Kenya.

I will finish up by quoting Mahatma Gandhi, who  said that “I love a challenge, every time someone tells me it can’t be done, I want to do it. Opportunities, time and chance happen to everyone, the only time one fails is when one stops trying”.  Therefore let’s continue being focused toward the success of Education is Power despite the challenges we encounter along the way.

Once again thanks very much and I wish you all the best in all your endeavors.

For information on Samuel’s school program click here