Anne Mueni Muli
In an impoverished rural region where very few youth are able to access quality education, Anne’s graduation proves that with the right resources — like Asante Africa Foundation’s programs — combined with the support of generous donors like you, young people like her can reach great heights.
Anne’s success is not just hers alone — it is our collective success — and as an inspiring role model she is impacting hundreds of kids who now also see possibilities and hope for themselves. She has applied her knowledge beyond the classroom, and is now launching a successful career, and transforming the world around her.
On October 22nd, we bring her to you to inspire you and to see for yourself how this one girl’s story can be the story of many.
In her own words — A bit about her journey to date
I joined Asante in 2006, when I was in Form Two ( sophomore in high school in your world). In 2008 I sat for my national examination which determines my entire future path. It was a big disappointment personally when I didn’t manage to get a grade that would qualify me to join university. With consultation and advice from my parents I decided to repeat my senior year in high school so that I could retake the Final exam again in hopes of getting a university scholarship. The return to school was not easy because I found the syllabus had changed and a new set of books had been introduced, but I prevailed. After this set of exams were completed, I had managed to get 66 points, enabling me to join a public university as I had hoped. YEA!
While waiting the news of what university I would get a scholarship, I worked in an small electronic shop. During my fifteen months of waiting, I acquired various skills like customer relations and real-world business management. I was careful to save the income I received: I kept 10% of it for pocket money, used 90% to help my mum pay rent, and sometimes used a bit for buying my personal items.
Finally, I joined Kisii university in August, 2011. In the world of University in Kenya, we do not get to choose our career path. Initially, I wanted to be an accountant by profession, but I was called to pursue a degree in Purchasing and Supplies Management. While I was initially unhappy, I realized I could still become an accountant by enrolling in additional professional courses external to my degree. Where there is a will, there will always be a way. I learned that any dream of mine was possible with enough hard work. It is during this time that I enrolled for a professional certificate called Certified Public Accountancy(C.P.A). I applied the knowledge I had gained during Asante Africa’s 2010 Leadership Training regarding dream mapping and understanding one’s values and potential.
While in University I was selected to hold several different leadership roles, and to represent the university externally in other African countries. In each of these roles, I developed my leadership skills and gained confidence. In addition to these leadership roles I was able to get involved in volunteer activities: tree naming, visiting the sick, and working to preserve the environment.
While in university I was also fortunate to be selected to highly competitive internships, one was at Kisii Bottlers, a Coca-Cola company, where I worked in stores, procurement, and warehousing departments. It was a great experience and a privilege to work for them.
I will walk across the stage for my graduation ceremony in December 2015. While my dreams are still in progress, my determination has made me a role model to many people, especially those in my community. I have had time to talk to many young people to encourage them to dream big. I tell them to look forward and to not focus on their backgrounds because they can’t do anything about the past.
I also try to keep focused on the future: I believe am going to get a good job that will enable me support myself, my family, and Asante Africa Foundation.
Thank You and God Bless You!
Anne Mueni Muli
