I currently work at AMPATH as a Research Assistant in Tuberculosis and HIV-related research. I am enthusiastic about my work because through the data collection, we obtain knowledge that enables us to identify gaps within the healthcare system and serve the community better. Hence,
improved service delivery and health outcomes.
Before the Watipa scholarship, I worked about two hours from school, Nairobi University – Kisumu Campus. The daily commutes, to and from Siaya and Kisumu County, drained not only me but also my finances because besides sustaining myself, I still had to pay school tuition fees. As a result, my performance in school really suffered. When I received my first stipend in 2016, things shifted. I was now able to partly pay my fees and focus more on my studies. Instantly, my grades improved because I was no longer under so much pressure. Besides the academic support, the Watipa scholars also had a WhatsApp group where we would frequently interact, posting pictures of various community initiatives/engagements and having conversations that served to encourage other scholars. I still find memories of the pictures and conversations inspiring to-date.
In late September, we had our very first in-person Watipa AGM, about eight years down the line. This was a vision and a dream come true for all of us. It was everything we thought it would be plus more. This meeting gave us the opportunity to interact and foster deeper, more meaningful connections and appreciation for one another. The meeting was insightful and fun. I rediscovered my respect and appreciation for our founder Dr. Lucy’s vision. With the stories we shared I empathized more with the growing pains we experience as developing countries. I walked away from the experience feeling so hopeful because of the role all the alumni were playing to lift their communities and countries.
Being the optimist I am, I believe the future is as bright as our Watipa colour, orange. My vision for Watipa is: more funding because the team is doing a credible and incredible job and the demand for education is still present. As alumni we can take up the challenge of mentoring younger scholars as we look for ways to play more active roles and perhaps more in-person AGMs; if funds allows.
Julia Omondi, Watipa alumni from Kenya.