Turning Dreams Into Triumphs

Santana’s Journey of Empowerment, Growth & Resilience

Santana is not your average 26-year-old. With a vibrant sense of style and an infectious personality, she personifies unwavering perseverance and tenacity. She embarked on a life-changing journey when she enrolled in the Emerging Leaders class in 2015. Little did she know that this decision would sow the seeds of transformation that would shape her future and the lives of many others. Santana's motivation was clear from the outset – she wanted to help people become better versions of themselves.

A Spark of Inspiration

Santana's story unfolds in a time where there was limited educational opportunities. Her parents, who had done their best to support her education, had no plans to extend their financial assistance beyond her secondary school years, as they had other children to put through school. Santana's future was unclear, but she was determined to change her circumstances.

Belief in Potential

The Emerging Leaders training sessions provided Santana with a newfound belief in her own potential. It was here that she discovered her dream of attending college, and this fresh determination empowered her to take the steps toward realizing that dream.

Setting Clear Goals

The Emerging Leaders class introduced Santana to the concept of setting clear, actionable goals. She learned the importance of short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. Santana's vision became clear as follows:

• Short-term: To become a trainer.

• Medium-term: To attend university and pursue a degree in procurement.

• Long-term: To own a piece of land.

Taking Initiative

With unwavering resolve, Santana secured employment and utilized her salary to enroll in evening classes at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), pursuing a diploma in Procurement. Her educational journey was not without its challenges; she occasionally relied on bursaries for tuition fees, and her close-knit savings group, comprising of Emerging Leaders program alumni, offered the vital support she needed to navigate these challenges.

The Power of Community:

Santana's savings group was more than just a financial support network; it was a community of individuals passionate about leadership principles and eager to share them. They started teaching these principles in local primary schools, an initiative that eventually led them to become trainers at Emerging Leaders – a role they have cherished for years.

Diversifying Skills

In her continuous pursuit of self-improvement, she seized opportunities to acquire new skills, such as hairdressing. Not only did this skill boost her income, but it also broadened her horizons, proving that she's always ready to expand her knowledge and capabilities.

Recently, Santana has taken yet another significant step in her journey. She's had the privilege of participating in a government initiative aimed at imparting valuable trade skills to young people. She decided to pursue plumbing, and she is currently actively engaged in the program.

This opportunity not only reflects her dedication to continuous learning but also underscores her commitment to staying relevant and adaptable in an ever-evolving world. Santana's story is a great example of how embracing new skills can open doors to even greater opportunities.

The Triumphs

Through steadfast dedication and the principles instilled by the Emerging Leaders program, Santana realized two of her major goals. She not only became an Emerging Leaders facilitator, positively transforming lives within her community but also successfully completed her procurement degree, a testament to her commitment to personal development.

A Ripple Effect:

Santana's journey extends beyond her personal accomplishments. She has evolved into a mentor and role model for countless others, inspiring them to transform their lives. Santana has shared invaluable knowledge on leadership principles and financial literacy – indispensable skills often overlooked in traditional educational curricula.

Santana’s story is a powerful example of how persistence in pursuing one's dreams can ultimately lead to their fulfillment, open doors to greater opportunities and personal development.