Brenda Atyyang
Brenda Atyyang received AWEF support to complete her high school studies at Mama Africa Secondary School in Nairobi. She is now in her third year of university studying to be a chef at Mt. Kenya University in Hospitality and Food Production. Her father died when she was entering high school leaving her with 4 younger siblings. A small faith sharing community sponsored her through high school and have continued to sponsor her on their own through the university studies. In order to take the bus to visit her home she needs to make and sell crafts for the money needed for transportation.Brenda is deeply grateful for all the sponsors that have made it possible for her dreams to come true.
Valentina Chiquete Catombela
“Cordial greetings to all.
I, Valentina Chiquete Catombela, single, of 24 years of age, born on June 13, 2000, in Huambo, Angola, had the opportunity to complete the high school training for primary school teachers. I was able to attend this program solely based on a AWEF scholarship at Vavayela Magisterium in Huambo. I successfully completed all the requirements and in the same year I got a job as a primary school teacher. Despite all the difficulties and challenges I faced during my training I thank God for the faith and focus, I thank the supporters of AWEF who made this dream possible, and I thank those who were part of my student journey. I am so grateful. Today I feel proud, because my life has changed. Today I can help my family with the little that I have: hope that AWEF, a foundation that aims to help the most needy, will continue with this mission, as it has helped many of us fulfill our dreams and those of our families. Thank you very much for everything you have done for us. With best regards and highest esteem, Valentina.”
Valentina has recently lost her only parent, her mother, to breast cancer. Due to the financial security of her current employment she is able to support her younger siblings, and hopes that they will study and have their own careers. She is deeply grateful.
Teresa Pereira Tchipuku
Cordial greetings!
Dear godparents, I am Teresa Pereira Tchipuku, daughter of António José and Augusta Nduva. I was one of the AWEF scholarship beneficiaries at the Magisterium of the Mission of Vavayela in Huambo, Angola. I graduated in 2024. Thanks to you and the sisters of Saint Teresa of Jesus I completed high school. When I finished I tried to attend a public university for higher education but I was not able to make ends meet. In the same year I took a public exam for civil service and I was placed where there was a vacancy, in Benguela. Thanks to God, with the money from the civil service I can pay for my studies at the university and help my family. I am on my first year at the university. It is not easy.
Because I work from Monday to Friday, I cannot attend the university classes in person. I only receive the content of the courses to study on my own, followed by a test. Without AWEF I would not be able to do any of this. Thank you to all the donors!!!
Vilma Victor de Castro
Vilma Victor de Castro is graduating from the school of nursing in Huambo, Angola. She received AWEF scholarship for the full 4 years. She is deeply grateful for all the support from the AWEF donors.
Phenic had the highest physics exam scores in her county. She is enrolled in a Bachelor of Science program in Renewable Energy and Environmental Physics at Kenya’s premier public University in Mbosa, Kenya. Phenic’s University fees and expenses are paid by a small group of supporters with funds that were raised totally apart from the AWEF organization.
Elizabeth lives with her family in Tanzania. Elizabeth’s mother learned about AWEF while working at a Capuchin mission in the Morogoro region of Tanzania. She asked for help and received:
"…you have given me hope for the future and happiness…education is just like a dream to me and my family because without your help I know I would have nothing…"
In 2012 Elizabeth proudly earned a Bachelors degree in Community Development. She is one of many AWEF success stories due in large part to the secondary education AWEF sponsors. Elizabeth is “giving back” by working with disabled youth and volunteering with a local NGO working to improve the skills of farmers with the goal of increased productivity. Elizabeth, who hopes to pursue a Masters degree, says she always dreamed of a job as an activist to help her country develop successful young women as the hope of future generations.
Sylvia, one of our Kenyan AWEF graduates, and one of the top 50 students in Kenya, has been recruited by Equity Bank to be trained as part of the institutions think tank. Sylvia has made a commitment to give her first paycheck to help any girl joining form one next year! This gift is a beautiful
example of passing your gifts forward. When one girl’s life is improved her family, her community, and her country realize a cascade of positive change. This is truly the embodiment of AWEFs mission.
Susan N. is one of 8 children. Her father is dead and her mother is dying of AIDS. When she was recommended to AWEF, her sister, who is trying to keep the family together was not requesting school fees, but food. Susan expects to graduate next year.
Evlyne N. grew up in the largest slum in Nairobi. There are approximately 600 toilets for 1,000,000 people in her slum, making girls and women easy prey for robbery and rape, especially at night. Both of Evlyne’s parents died of AIDS. Evlyne will graduate this year.
Alumnae
Name Current occupation
Agness M. Accountant with ADC Farm
Ester W. Athlete also in business
Susan A. Nursery school teacher
Monicah N. University pursuing an education
Regina A. In nursing school
Veronicah W. Moi University
Zamzam M. Working with a NGO
Maureen V. Working in an elder's home
Phenic