In the heart of Mrima Secondary School, a young man named Shaukhan Mohamed embarked on a journey marked by profound transformation, mentorship, and the blossoming of leadership that would forever change his life. Selected after a rigorous interview, Shaukhan became one of the few male students to join the English Access Microscholarship Program. Through the English Access Microscholarship Program, sponsored by the US Embassy Nairobi and brought to life by the SambaSports Youth Agenda, Shaukhan’s story unfolded—a tale of struggle, growth, and ultimately, triumph.
Shaukhan entered the Access Program after a successful interview, his spirit eager yet undisciplined. He was one of the few who spoke with courage, yet his words were often unruly, reflective of a young man who believed the world would bend to his will, just as his loving family had always done. His academic focus was dim, overshadowed by a belief that his parents would pave the way for his future. This attitude made him rowdy, indifferent to teamwork, and resistant to the discipline that school life demanded.
In the beginning, Shaukhan’s literary skills were riddled with grammatical errors, his grasp of language tenuous. He hesitated in presentations, argued with his peers, and found it difficult to collaborate during group work. Despite being shuffled from group to group, his struggle persisted. Yet, the Access Program, with its rich tapestry of learning methodologies—group discussions, reading sessions, public speaking, and skits—began to weave a new narrative for Shaukhan.
As the days passed, something remarkable happened. The interactive sessions, where every learner had the chance to voice their thoughts and present their findings, began to chip away at Shaukhan’s rough exterior. Through the Value-Based Education (VBE) sessions, he learned the virtues of self-awareness, empathy, and respect. Each day, he was drawn further into the program, his interest kindling a fire of transformation within him.
Shaukhan’s attendance became near perfect, his punctuality a new-found discipline. He began to connect with his peers, not as competitors but as collaborators. His listening improved, and with it, his ability to reason and engage in meaningful dialogue. No longer was he the rowdy boy who struggled with teamwork; he became a leader in his own right, mobilizing others to join the sessions and share in the collective journey of growth.
The turning point came during a visit from the Regional Education Language Officer (RELO). Shaukhan, once hesitant and uncertain, took center stage in a skit presentation. His growth was evident—not only in his language skills but also in his teamwork and emerging leadership. In another session, he confidently took on the role of a mother in a skit, challenging gender norms and advocating for equality with newfound conviction.
Shaukhan’s transformation was profound, a testament to the power of mentorship and the life-changing impact of the Access Program. He now speaks of his future with clarity and purpose, inspired by the lessons he has learned.
“Through Access, I have realized my objective in life. I want to be a teacher when I grow up, so I can help students realize their goals,” Shaukhan reflects, his voice steady with resolve.
He continues, “Access has introduced me to friends that I can connect with better now, and I’m happy as we both share the same goal of success.”
And with a smile that speaks volumes, he adds, “Youth pressure does not attract me anymore in my life.”
Shaukhan Mohamed’s journey is a beacon of hope—a reminder that with the right guidance and opportunities, every young mind can rise above challenges to become a leader, ready to inspire others. His story, nurtured by the US Embassy Nairobi and SambaSports Youth Agenda, will echo in the halls of Mrima Secondary School and beyond, a legacy of what mentorship and leadership can achieve.
