From Aiducation Scholar to a Student at African Leadership Academy - Emmanuel Njenga's Aiducation Journey
Discover the inspiring journey of Emmanuel Njenga, a shining example of the transformative power of education. From a promising student in Kenya to an accomplished scholar at the prestigious African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa, Emmanuel's story is a testament to resilience and ambition. As an alumnus of the Aiducation scholarship program in Kenya, Emmanuel excelled in his high school studies, achieving an outstanding grade A in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. His dedication and hard work have opened doors to remarkable opportunities, setting him on a path to becoming a future leader.
Read Emmanuel Njenga's impact story...
"My name is Emmanuel Njenga, a proud Aiducation Alumnus. I finished high school in 2022 from the Alliance High School, scoring grade A in my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). However, my plan was not to join the university immediately after school. I had been exposed to the African Leadership Academy program, which is a 2-year pre-university course in Johannesburg and that is where I wanted to take my next step. What interested me in the program was the opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals from across the continent, and the school’s mission which is to ‘Develop the next generation of African Leaders’. I also loved how the application process was need-blind, which meant that the institution would not consider my financial status when deciding whether to admit me. It was only after admission that we discussed my family’s financial capacity. The institution is committed to covering your demonstrated financial need, and they do this by assessing your family’s capacity and then giving you an offer based on what your family can pay. I got a very generous offer which meant that I was able to attend the school while my family pays a very small portion of the total fees. The financial aid covered all my expenses in school and my two flights in a year. I joined the program in August 2023, and I am currently in my eighth month.
Emmanuel and his coursemates at ALA
My experience at the African Leadership Academy (ALA) so far has been great. Some of the classes I do are amazing because they expose you to ideas that normal schooling does not. I have a class on Entrepreneurial Leadership, in which we learn how to identify challenges within Africa and come up with creative entrepreneurial ideas to address them (think of it like a long start-up academy 😂). Another class I love is African Studies, where we look at the state of Africa, how it is affected by its past and how we as young leaders can change it for the better. One of my favorite experiences was when I got to travel to Qatar courtesy of the school for an international competition. This happened in February where I was part of a group selected to represent the school at a Model United Nations (MUN) conference in Doha, Qatar. The Model United Nations is a conference which simulates the running of the United Nations to help students learn more about the principles of the UN and how it functions. The trip lasted a week, and it was very fulfilling to get to experience a different part of the world.
In Doha, Qatar
Another notable experience was being part of the organizing team for the ALA Model African Union (ALAMAU) 2024. ALAMAU is the largest youth-led conference in Africa, and I was fortunate to be involved in this year’s event as a Moderator and the MC for the opening and closing ceremonies.
My message to Aiducation scholars is that your background should neither define your journey nor limit your ambition. It is very possible to accomplish great things from humble beginnings. However, you need to understand that in your situation, you may be required to go the extra mile to get opportunities that your peers may not be required to work for. This means that whenever you can access an opportunity to grow, you exploit it completely. For anyone interested in the program I am doing in South Africa, the early decision application deadline is usually in October and the regular decision application deadline is usually in mid-January. The main requirement of your application process would be to write essays that express your leadership potential and how you have shown initiative. The application form is available on the institution’s website (https://www.africanleadershipacademy.org/apply/) and I am more than happy to guide anyone who might be interested. Another similar program to what I am doing is the United World Colleges (UWC) program which has campuses across the world (China, Eswatini, Tanzania, Germany and so many more). They also offer scholarships, and you can find the application details on their website (https://www.uwc.org/howtoapply). I understand that feeling when you come across an opportunity, and you feel like you do not deserve it or you cannot possibly get it because of what you have gone through or where you come from. My message to you is to try and see where it leads you. We miss all the shots we do not take. What I can tell you from experience is that you will grow with every attempt, whether you make it through or not, and eventually the right door will open for you.
With Senator Ledama and other Kenyans on campus
The GYLA community has been really impactful for me. My best experience was taking part in the Leadership Academy in June 2023. Being part of the Alumni class of 2022, I had not been exposed to Aiducation academies during my time in high school. This being the first mentorship academy I attended, made me even more proud of being part of this great network. I got to reflect on my personal leadership journey and on the experiences that shape the leader that I am today, and to share that experience with fellow Aiducation alumni. I also got the chance to engage in the very first Global Impact Update, where I had the opportunity to share my scholarship journey with the entire Aiducation International community. Currently, I am part of the e-mentoring program which is a 12-month mentorship opportunity where Aiducation pairs you with a professional with more experience to help you network and grow. This has enabled me to grow and build skills in all spheres of my life through the discussions I have with my mentor. We meet every two weeks and the topics range from professional skills such as Networking and Pitching, to social skills such as Communication. It has been fun overall and I have gained more - not just the knowledge but also a good friend across the other side of the world. In these regards, GYLA has helped shape the person I am today.
This whole journey would not be possible without the support of my donor, and for that, I am eternally grateful. From ensuring that my four years in high school ran smoothly, to following up on my journey after high school to even facilitating the purchase of my school laptop - my donor has been with me through every step of the way. It is this commitment that drives me to make the best of my capacity and to exploit the opportunities availed to me to my best capability. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for this far, and how my donor inspires me to work hard to a point where I can repay this gratitude to other kids in my shoes. It is what fuels my ambition and pushes me to be better every day."
Written by Emmanuel Njenga, AiduTalent from Kenya
Published by Boniface Mahulo