May Higher Learning Fund

Naomi, a 28 year old. She is from Terati village in Simanjiro district, Arusha region, grew up in a humble Maasai community. She is the fourth child in a family of seven, raised by parents who depended on mixed agriculture to provide for their children. Life was difficult, and when her father passed away three years ago, the burden on her family grew heavier. Despite these challenges, Naomi carried within her a burning passion for education—a dream her parents could not afford to fulfill.

In 2005, Naomi began her studies at Terrati Primary School. For seven years, she worked diligently and completed her primary education in 2011, earning a grade C in the national exams. Though she had passed, her family’s financial struggles meant she could not continue to secondary school.

Determined not to let poverty extinguish her dream, Naomi made a bold decision in her teenage years, she left home in search of opportunities to continue her education. By grace, she met a sponsor who believed in her passion and supported her to join secondary school. But fate tested her resilience—Naomi fell seriously ill during her first year and had to withdraw for treatment. The sponsorship, meant for four years, could not be extended, and she spent three painful years battling illness. During this time, she felt her dream slipping away.

When Naomi recovered in 2015, she refused to give up. In 2018, she discovered Jifundishe, an organization that offered independent study programs. She joined as a Qualified Test student and later sat for the Form II national exam, which she passed. In 2019, she enrolled in the Private Candidate class at Jifundishe, spending four years striving to earn the credits needed for advanced studies. Her persistence paid off in 2022 when she finally achieved the qualifications to join advanced level.

In July 2023, Naomi began advanced studies at Jifundishe, focusing on HKL—History, Kiswahili, and Language. Two years later, in May 2025, she completed her advanced level education with the qualifications to pursue higher learning. By October 2025, Naomi was selected to join the Lutheran College of Theology for a four-year diploma course, supported financially by the Jifundishe May Higher Learning Fund.

Naomi chose Theology because she aspires to serve as a Lutheran pastor and, eventually, as a lecturer in Theology.