Determination to rise above all circumstances drives 27-year-old Michael Mureithi Mwangi, CPA section 4 student, to seize every opportunity presented his way, in an effort to grow and experience a brighter future.

Growing up in Thomas Barnado Home, Michael learned the importance of hard work stemming from the recognition that came with his ability to learn well and learn fast. He is the first born of 7 children from a single mother.

Through financial support by the Home, Michael’s education journey included attending All Saints Cathedral Primary for his lower classes and Bishop Mahia-ini School for his upper primary. Upon completion, he joined Kiangotho Boys Secondary in Murang’a County in 2003, to undertake his O’ Levels where he scored a mean grade of B- in his KCSE national examination. He then attained a diploma in print media before deciding to start his self-funding journey.

In 2014, while selling sweets on the streets, Michael met with his high school friend who informed him of scholarships available for students interested in studying CPAs at Strathmore. Michael applied for a scholarship and succeeded awarding him tuition fees for the program.  He would now only work at providing exam fees for each CPA section exam.

Michael began his Strathmore journey attending evening classes, leaving his day time for his vending business.

A year later, Michael is grateful for the opportunities that have since grown, allowing him to stop working as a vendor and instead work in an office, gaining him further experience in the accounting field.

Where do you currently work?

I am doing a Work-Study Program (WSP) at the School of Accountancy. Strathmore University; a position that is offered to accounting students of the University to gain work experience while studying.

I get paid a considerable amount of money that can sustain my life in Nairobi.

What do you do for the program?

I manage students’ accounts – advising students on their fee balances, amount of school fees to be paid in a new semester, informing them of important dates they need to take note of etc. Basically I give out administration information to students.

I still work during the day and study in the evenings.

What drives you to achieve success?

The possibility of making someone happy drives me to want to achieve success. And my desire to provide a better lifestyle for someone in need. Living in Thomas Barnado and being assisted to get this far, opened my eyes towards the possibility of being a blessing to somebody else too.

I lived in the home for 13 years, since I was age 9. That is a long time to learn about giving and being given.

How did you end up at Thomas Barnado?

When we first came to Nairobi with my family, we resided in Korogocho slum. While there, a group of Europeans desired to educate children they believed can learn fast. A social worker spotted me while looking for children to assist. I was the only one chosen from my family.

We were first taken to a home in Limuru, I think it was another Thomas Barnado home, where we stayed for a while before they needed to close the home. Then we were transferred to the home in langata.

How was your experience there?

The experience was good. Parents were allowed to visit us and during school holidays we were allowed to go back home to be with our families. These allowances enabled us to settle well and get the necessary help needed. My time there was a blessing.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?

I hope to be married with children, running a business that will enable me to support my dream of blessing needy people.

I also wish to work in the accounting field and gain further experience.

We wish Michael the very best in his endeavors.