A Childhood Shaped by Determination

By DAVID NATEMBEYA, Wezesha Class of 2025

“My journey taught me that your circumstances may shape your beginning, but they do not have to determine your future.”

A Childhood Shaped by Determination

I still remember those early mornings in our village - the kind of mornings when the air was cold, the path to school was dusty, and my feet were bare against the stones. My stomach would growl with hunger, but I kept walking. I had seen what happened to my brother when he dropped out of school and to my sister when poverty forced her into early marriage. Deep down, I knew I wanted a different ending.

When my parents separated, I chose to live with my mother. We moved in with my uncle, all nine of us crammed into a single room. Life was a daily struggle. There were days we went to bed hungry and nights I cried quietly, wondering whether school was worth the pain.

David Natembeya at Rongai Boys School

Holding On to Hope

To keep us alive, my mother started brewing chang'aa (a local illicit brew popular in rural Kenya)—not because she wanted to, but because she had no other way to provide for us. It broke her heart, but it was our only means of survival.

My school uniform was torn, my feet were always bare, yet I kept showing up. Every day, I told myself, One day, things will change.

That hope was strengthened by a local church. A pastor there saw something in me—my hunger to learn and my determination to never give up. He would often tell me,

"Don't let money stop you. Your time will come."

David Natembeya at Wezesha Graduation 2025 recieving his certificate from Wycliffe Ouma (Board Member)

A Life-Changing Opportunity

And it did.

When I sat for my KCPE examinations, I emerged as the top student in my school. I could hardly believe it. Soon afterward, I received the best news of my life, I had been awarded an EFAC scholarship.

That day, I watched my mother cry tears of joy. My siblings danced with excitement. For the first time in a long while, our family had hope. I was going to a boarding school, something we had never even dared to dream about.

David Natembeya proudly displays his EFAC Fellow certificate.

Finding a Family at EFAC

When I look back at the young girl from Mukuru kwa Reuben who never imagined she would one day leave the slum, I feel immense gratitude and pride.

My journey is far from over.

But one thing is certain: EFAC did not simply change my story.

It taught me how to write the chapters myself.

And perhaps that is the greatest gift of all.

Writing My Own Story

EFAC became more than just a scholarship provider, it became my family.

At mentorship camps, I met other students who had overcome challenges similar to mine. Together, we laughed, learned, and healed.

I still remember our adventure days - hiking the Ngong Hills, exploring Karura Forest, and visiting the Bomas of Kenya. But what stayed with me most were the mentorship sessions. They gave me confidence, a voice, and a true sense of belonging.

Through EFAC, I learned that I was not alone. I discovered that even with a difficult beginning, I could still build a meaningful future.

Inspired by My Mother

If I stand tall today, it is because of my mother.

She sacrificed everything to keep our family together. Even when we had almost nothing, she never stopped believing in us. Her resilience, love, and unwavering hope continue to inspire me every day.

Building the Future

Today, I am pursuing a degree in Automotive Engineering at the Technical University of Kenya. I am currently undertaking my industrial attachment at Tata Motors (GM Kenya), where I am gaining practical experience in store management, workshop operations, and advanced automotive systems.

Every opportunity I've received has reminded me that where you begin does not determine where you will end up. My journey - from walking barefoot to building a career in engineering - is proof that resilience, education, and the support of people who believe in you can change the course of a life.