Rise Above: Celebrating the Triumphs of Our Pioneer Graduates

“Rise Above” is a campaign that highlights the inspiring journeys of Bridge alumni who have leveraged the power of quality education to achieve remarkable success. This campaign underscores how education serves as a catalyst for change, breaking barriers, transforming lives, and empowering individuals to rise above their circumstances.

In today’s world, where many children still lack access to quality education, this campaign emphasizes education as a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for social and economic mobility. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG4) to provide inclusive and equitable education for all.

This year, we celebrate a significant milestone: the first-ever alumni from Bridge will be graduating from university. This achievement is a testament to the transformative power of education and the dedication of our students.

Through compelling stories of Bridge alumni like Faith, Charles, Heather, Humphrey, Joel, Lucky, Lucy, Peggy, and others, the campaign illustrates how access to quality education can lead to extraordinary achievements. These narratives serve as a testament to the transformative power of education, showcasing its ability to uplift individuals, strengthen communities, and build a brighter future.

The “Rise Above” campaign not only celebrates the resilience, determination, and success of Bridge alumni but also aims to inspire others facing similar challenges. By highlighting these success stories, the campaign advocates for increased access to quality education worldwide and calls for collective action to ensure every child can realize their dreams.

Inspirational Life Journeys

The campaign focuses on the incredible journeys of children like Faith Richard, Heather Rebecca, Humphrey Burugu, Joel Wafula, Lucky Mandela, Lucy Kyalo, Peggy Achieng, and Charles Cherono, all of whom have risen against all obstacles to pursue their dreams. These stories vividly illustrate the transformative power of quality education, showcasing how it empowers individuals, uplifts communities, and creates a brighter future for all.

Faith Richard

Faith Richard, a law student at the Kenya School of Law, is a 2017 Bridge alumna who scored 338 marks in the KCPE exams. Growing up in a slum environment with pollution, flooding, and a lack of social amenities, Faith faced immense challenges. School fees were a constant struggle, and she often missed classes due to financial constraints. Despite the odds, Faith’s aspiration to rewrite her family’s story and be the change her community needs kept her going. Today, she is determined to graduate and hopes for opportunities to further her education.

Charles Wahome

Charles Wahome, the youngest in his family, grew up with a disabled mother. Before joining Bridge, he wasn’t attending school due to financial difficulties. Despite these hardships, Charles scored 328 marks in the KCPE exams and later joined Ofafa Jericho High School, where he excelled and was admitted to Multimedia University of Kenya to pursue a degree in Procurement and Logistics Management. Charles is set to graduate this year and is currently interning at Bridge International Academies Foundation, his alma mater. His journey from poverty to near graduation exemplifies resilience and hope.

Heather Rebecca

Heather Rebecca’s journey towards becoming an accountant and entrepreneur began at Bridge Kinoo in Kiambu County. Heather faced a tumultuous home life with a rough stepfather who often denied her and her siblings basic necessities. After her family split, Heather, her mother, and her brother lived in a friend’s home. Despite these challenges, Heather excelled in her KCPE exams and later received a scholarship to Strathmore University, where she is pursuing a degree in Commerce. Heather dreams of giving back to society by starting an initiative for orphaned street kids and the elderly.

Humphrey Burugu

Born in Nyandarua North, Humphrey Burugu is the firstborn in a family of two. His father worked at his school to support his education, but financial struggles meant Humphrey often went without lunch. In high school, he faced peer pressure and substance abuse issues, but with the support of his parents and teachers, he remained focused on his goals. Humphrey’s determination led him to Catholic University of Eastern Africa, where he pursued a degree in Commerce. Despite the challenges of growing up in a hostile environment, Humphrey graduated in 2024.

Joel Wafula

Joel Wafula, born in Busia, is the fourth born in a family of five. Growing up in poverty, Joel’s older siblings often sacrificed their education for his. His parents’ separation and the subsequent domestic violence left Joel stressed and struggling in school. Nevertheless, he scored 372 marks in his KCPE exams and later joined Maseno School, where he excelled. Joel is now studying applied statistics at Cooperative University of Kenya, funding his education through a help program.

Lucky Mandela

Born in Thika, Lucky Mandela is the eldest of three children. His father is a carpenter, and his mother does casual work. Despite financial challenges, Lucky scored 370 marks in his KCPE exams and later joined St. Johns Nyamagwa Boys, where he achieved a B+. He went on to study actuarial science at Chuka University graduated and is currently pursuing a short course in graphic design.

Lucy Kyalo

Lucy Kyalo, born in Nairobi County, is the middle child in a family of three. Lucy faced self-doubt and fear, especially during her mother’s illness, which led to depression and affected her education. Despite these challenges, she scored an impressive 405 marks in her KCPE exams and later joined St. Augustine High School, where she excelled. Lucy is now pursuing a degree in Information and Communication Technology at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University. Support from a well-wisher has been crucial in her journey, allowing her to focus and achieve her goals.

Peggy Achieng

Peggy Achieng, the second born in a family of four, faced numerous challenges as a day scholar in secondary school. Late arrivals and family issues affected her performance, but she persevered and excelled at university. Peggy is now studying Information Technology at the University of Embu. 

These inspirational stories are the manuscripts of thousands of children in Kenya. They show the impeccable power of education from a solid primary school foundation and the doors it can open to transform the lives of children who had once lost all hope in life.

The “Rise Above” campaign aims to raise awareness about the transformative power of education and advocate for increased access to quality education worldwide. It calls for collective action and support to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, can realize their dreams and contribute to a better future for themselves, their communities, and the world at large.

#BridgeLegacy #BridgePride #InspiringJourneys #TransformingLives #GatewayToSuccess