Nchimunya (Class of 2023)
"Despite facing adversity and numerous setbacks, the unwavering support and belief in me from Education 24 turned my dream of attaining tertiary education into a reality, proving that when compassion and perseverance walk together, no barrier is insurmountable, and every dream is within reach."
My Story
Nchimunya Mukuwa's journey into our college mentorship program began with a potent mix of hesitation and hopeful intrigue. In July 2021, a friend's strong recommendation landed his application on our desk, sparking initial doubts due to our complete roster and the impending academic commitments of our lead mentor, Mwamba. However, a single conversation with Nchimunya swiftly eroded our reservations, revealing a passion for leveraging technology to uplift underserved African communities, a mission that resonated deeply with our nonprofit's mission. Unlike his peers, Nchimunya harbored aspirations to pursue higher education on African soil, with the African Leadership University (Rwanda) and the United States International University-Africa (also referred to as USIU-Africa located in Nairobi, Kenya) topping his list of preferences.
Heeding his request, we embarked on the application process with vigor. Nchimunya sought admission to USIU-Africa for the fall of 2022, his sights set on securing the Mastercard Scholarship, a fully funded scholarship. He reached the semi-final interview stage but didn't get the final approval. This was disappointing, especially since he was also unsuccessful in gaining admission to American colleges. Empathy, born from shared experiences of rejection, led Mwamba to offer words of encouragement and the promise of a brighter attempt the following year. True to Mwamba's foresight, 2023 marked a turning point. Nchimunya reapplied to USIU-Africa and was accepted and honored with the Mastercard Scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering in the fall of 2024.
Looking to the horizon, Nchimunya envisions a career dedicated to the technological upliftment of African communities, citing Nairobi's burgeoning status as the "Silicon Savannah" as a pivotal study and work destination. His journey stands as a testament to resilience, underpinned by a staunch belief in the transformative power of education and technology, poised to make significant strides in the African tech landscape.