PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS

Lilian Wamere (2006-2007)

Lilian completed the NCUK IFY Science stream at Brookhouse with 3As and 1A*.  Lilian lost both of her parents whilst in Primary education.  The siblings were split up and Lilian joined a children’s home, where the owners sought sponsorship for continued schooling.  Despite many breaks in her education, Lilian achieved academic success.  Her leadership abilities were acknowledged at an early age; her poise and dignity have helped her overcome many obstacles. She has just completed her degree in Pharmacy and is now at Boots the Chemist completing her pharmacy training before returning to Kenya.

- Masters in Pharmacy at Manchester University

Jimmy Okoth Alele (2007-2008)

Jimmy’s parents divorced when he was five years old.  His mother, a junior nurse on a low salary in a public hospital, remarried and went on to have five other children.  Jimmy was never welcome in his stepfather’s home and never received any financial support for his education. He went to live with his grandparents until his grandfather died in 2005. Despite these difficulties, his determination to succeed has been significant. In a class of 196 students in high school, he consistently performed among the top 20.  He is one of the most gifted junior actors in Kenya, playing leading roles in plays that have won the National Drama Festival for two years running.  He has also competed at national level of the Kenya Music Festival in the choral and solo verses.  He plays competitive handball and was a school prefect.  He got 2A* and 2As on the IFY Science stream at Brookhouse.

- Actuarial Science and Mathematics at Manchester University

Stephen Kiarie Waruiru (2008-2009)

Stephen is one of a family of six children who lost their parents in the late 80s. He was only five years old when he was orphaned and as the youngest member of the family was under the care of his eldest sibling. The children depended entirely on the church for their daily survival. Stephen’s health kept on deteriorating until he and other members of the family were diagnosed with severe malnutrition. At this time he was referred to Dagoretti Children’s Centre in Nairobi for care and protection. Since primary school his academic performance was of an exceptional standard; he scored 362 out of 500 in the KCPE examination in 2003. He completed the NCUK IFY Science stream at Brookhouse with 3A's and a B.

- Biochemistry at Leeds University

Irene Njeri (2009-2010)

Irene is an orphan, having lost her single mother when she was quite young.  Her grandparents, who are coffee farmers, took her in and althoughthey struggle financially, they are responsible for her welfare.  Irene managed to be one of the top scoring KCPE (Kenya Certificate of Primary Education) students which meant that she gained scholarship support to go to a top Kenyan school, Alliance Girl’s. She gained a high B+ aggregate in the final KCSE but her teachers were adamant that her grade would have been an A had she not been forced to miss school when bursaries were not met. She completed the IFY Programme with 2A’s and 2 B’s.

- Law at Salford University

Stacey Achungo (2010-2011)

Stacey is an orphan. Her father died whilst she was a young girl and through various bursaries Stacey completed her 8-4-4 education at St Francis, Rangala gaining an A aggregate. She actually achieved a grade A in each of her subjects which is testament to her academic ability. She has a very positive attitude and always strives to give her best. At the time of the interviews she was working as a  cashier at a bank, which regularly supports top achievers. As she was attempting to support her elderly grandmother and two younger siblings. The youngest is just a year old as sadly Stacey’s mother died days after his birth. At the interview she gained the highest results in each of the tests and was a clear contender for the award. She gained four A* on the IFY programme.

- Electronic and Computer Engineering at Sheffield University

Francis Wangui (2011-2012)

Francis’s mother left the family home, leaving him and his siblings alone with his father. When his father died he was forced to live in Kiracha slum and survived by making and selling charcoal. These difficulties have meant that he has relied upon well-wishers and bursaries for school fees.  One of these people ran a centre for children who were internally displaced, which gave Francis the chance to get off the streets and into school where he excelled. Francis completed his 8-4-4 education at Kiambu High School, gaining a mean grade A.  He achieved ‘A’ grades in all but one of his subjects.  At the time of the interviews he was assisting at a local school as a teaching assistant and his former Principal felt that had a lot to offer society if only he could realise his academic ambitions.  His high scores and eloquent interview gained him the scholarship, making him the sixth recipient of this prestigious award.

For further information contact the Foundation Programme Director at:
foundation@brookhouse.ac.ke