We’re pleased to share that The Follow Your Dream Foundation is now the official U.S. fiscal sponsor for the WISER programs in Kenya! Going forward, donations from U.S. donors will be processed through The Follow Your Dream Foundation (EIN 38-3581515), a registered 501(c)(3) organization that supports education and economic opportunity worldwide, instead of WISER International.
This ensures that 100% of your donation will go directly to WISER Kenya, with no administrative or overhead fees retained by WISER Intl or the Foundation—aside from minimal bank or wire transfer fees. This new structure with The Follow Your Dream Foundation ensures that your support continues to have maximum impact, directly improving the lives of girls at WISER.
Thank you for being part of this vital work! For questions, please reach out to info@wisergirls.org.
We are so excited to share that WISER is a 2025 recipient for the Airbnb Community Fund grant! Thank you@airbnb and the Airbnb Host Community for supporting WISER! #airbnbcommunityfund.
Our new chair is Beatrice Linah Achieng Kowitti, who brings 20 years of management experience including former Head of HR for the Kenya Red Cross. From growing up as a girl in rural Kenya near WISER to becoming a top HR professional, Linah’s life emblemizes the path we support girls in developing.
Linah has been a WISER board member for over a decade and a key advisor to the previous board chair, Sherryl Broverman, and previous principal, Dorcas Oyugi. Linah has expertise in people-centered management, policy development, and developing human capital in organizations ranging from startups to national hospitals. Linah is also a valued speaker and consultant on leadership and developing effective and inclusive organizational cultures.
Wiser Alumni Ms. Lazarus Josephine Beatrice earns a First Class Honours degree in Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Fisheries from Pwani University – Kenya.
Beatrice, the only student in her graduating class to get Honours, was crowned at the University’s 11th Graduation ceremony held on 23rd November 2023.
Beatrice is an alumnus of Wiser’s class of 2018. She graduated from Wiser with a KCSE grade C+, with scores of B- in Biology, C+ in Chemistry and C- in Mathematics.
This stellar achievement, the first in recent times in this region, reaffirms the high quality education offered at Wiser and the spirit of hard-work and resilience we nurture in our students. While at Wiser, Beatrice was an active participant in Science and Engineering club activities.
Beatrice was brought up by a single mother who earns a living by selling ”omena” – fish at Nyang’wena Beach in Muhuru Bay. Her father died before she was born.
She dreams of pursuing Masters Degree in Aquaculture and build herself as a researcher in the field of fisheries which is the main economic activity in this locality.
The first day of November 2023 ushers a beam of hope as Wiser girls get ready to sit their final examinations after four years of studying. This year’s examination, abbreviated as KCSE – Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, will be administered to about one million candidates from all over Kenya. It is all systems go on Campus as the rest of the students returned to their homes for ten weeks Christmas holidays to create a conducive environment for examinations.
“We are confident of getting a good result,” Says a Sandra Ongati, Wiser Student President. “Wiser has offered us this opportunity todiscover our potential. Our teachers have prepared us well in all subjects and we are much ready for the exams.” The stakes are high as the performance in the KCSE examinations determines qualification to degree, diploma or certificate courses. The results in KCSE exams go a long way as points of reference in all future opportunities including employment.
Over eighteen subject areas are tested in this exam. However, each student is tested in between seven to nine subjects. A student is graded in only seven subjects namely English, Kiswahili, Math, any two science subjects and any other two best performed subjects. As a dedicated STEM school, we have a lot of confidence in our ability, especially in the subjects Math, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and ICT.
The next three weeks until November 24 th will be extremely important in the life of our candidates. Each student sits for a maximum of two papers every day, a scenario which compels every student to rise at 4am for early morning revision for the two examination papers and further study for the following day’s examination papers till 10 pm when they retire to bed. Each day’s exams begin at 8 am and 2 pm with each paper running for between 105 minutes to 165 minutes, depending on the paper. A science subject such as Biology is administered in three papers. Biology paper 1 is a theory test which contains short answer questions drawn from the entire four year syllabus contributing a maximum 80 marks and runs for two hours. Biology paper 2 is a two-hour theory test which examines high order concepts and essays which also contributes maximum 80 marks. Biology paper three is a practical test administered in the Biology laboratory where students are tested in practical science concepts of observation, measurements, analysis and interpretations. The class has exhibited enormous courage ahead of the exams, which begin on Thursday 2nd December, 2023.
The candidates were recently taken through a dedication prayer service which was graced by Wiser’s inaugural Principal Madam Dorcas Oyugi and Madam Grace Murika, Wiser Country Manager. Madam Dorcas’ message of courage still rings through the ears and minds of every Wiser girl. This was her first return to the Campus after her retirement. The prayer service brought together the parents and guardians of all forty-five candidates, faculty and support staff. Speaker after speaker, the message of courage, confidence and integrity, the qualities of a Wiser girl defined the day.
The three-week long examinations provides an opportunity for the vulnerable girls at Wiser to edge towards their individual dreams and to fight for their rightfully deserved space in a male dominated society. Without Wiser the girls are aware this moment would be a mirage in their lives, hence the more reason the KCSE exams mean a life time chance to them.
Kennedy is the Deputy Principal in charge of Academics and Programs at Wiser Girls School – Kenya.
Congratulations to our Wiser Girls for placing 1st in overall performance on the SWIBAS Benchmark Examinations!
Faith Francis receiving the award for being the best candidate in Computer studies subject.
The exam was administered to students between 29th July to 7th August 2023, marked on 8th and 9th. Grades were released 8th September, at Alendo Girls.
Wiser carried the day in languages (English and Kiswahili subjects), sciences and technical subjects including ICT; and Wiser Girls was ranked as the best school in English, Kiswahili, Biology, Physics, Agriculture, Computer studies and Business studies.
A special congratulations to Faith Francis, who scored 86% Grade A in Computer studies (ICT), leading all the students in the subject: a true testament of the value of a furnished ICT Lab in Wiser.
Shannell St. Brice, Duke University student and member of Duke Engage, reflects on her time spent at the WISER campus and its surrounding community.
In November 2022, I received incredible news that I had been selected for the DukeEngage Kenya trip. To say I was ecstatic would be an understatement! However, beneath the bubbling excitement, a torrent of nerves coursed through me. You see, I had never embarked on a solo plane journey, let alone ventured to an entirely different country by myself.
As the trip approached, my mind became a battleground of worst-case scenarios: an allergic reaction from accidentally consuming peanuts, complications at customs, misplacing my passport, forgetting my visa, and so much more. Yet, little did I realize that amidst the myriad of anxieties and uncertainties, I was on the cusp of an extraordinary opportunity. Despite the countless worst-case scenarios that could have happened (but thankfully didn’t), I was about to embark on a journey that I never could have imagined…..
As our DukeEngage team finally arrived at the WISER campus we didn’t come in with any expectations because we didn’t know what to expect! We were instantly greeted with smiles, cheers, handshakes, and hugs. The most memorable welcome was hearing the iconic WISER song for the first time. The lyric “Life is a Journey” will forever live rent-free in my head! During our time at WISER, we got to interact and formulate many bonds and friendships with the girls. My favorite thing was to visit the girls while they were doing their evening studies after dinner. I loved watching them use every opportunity to expand their minds, it was truly inspiring.
It wasn’t always serious business. I also cherished the moments when I would pop by and make them laugh as a little study break! But hold on, there’s more! I mustn’t forget to mention the epic showdown of the World Championships—the WISER vs. DukeEngage Volleyball and Soccer games.…..let’s just say If having fun and bringing laughter to the WISER girls was the prize, DukeEngage won hands down!
Outside of WISER, one of the highlights of my trip was the opportunity to learn about medicine at the Tagache and Tembo clinics. Extraordinary care and empathy were given to patients in the clinics despite low resources. I watched in awe as healthcare professionals innovated and provided care to the local community. I witnessed the meticulous care given to babies, from their immunizations to the simple yet profound experience of hearing a baby’s heartbeat with a stethoscope that wasn’t your normal-looking stethoscope: it was a metallic cone-shaped looking. It was a glimpse into the world of medicine that deepened my love for the field.
Throughout our time in Kenya, the DukeEngage team got to visit and teach at 19 different Primary schools throughout the community. Teaching at Senye Primary and Junesco Primary schools was another incredible part of my journey. While I was there to assist with English, Science, and Math, it was me who ended up learning the most. I discovered the true value of education, and the importance of hard work, and even picked up a few phrases in Kiswahili along the way. Being around these bright and eager children, and being a part of their educational journey, enriched my knowledge, sense of community, and, most importantly, my happiness.
Participating in DukeEngage was an experience I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been a part of. Embarking on a journey to an entirely new country with people I had just met might not have been my initial idea of an ideal adventure, but it turned out to be nothing short of extraordinary. I couldn’t have asked for a more remarkable team to share this transformative experience with.
If you had approached me before my time at Duke and asked if I would ever contemplate traveling to Africa, my response would likely have been a resounding “no.” However, that was before I grasped the multitude of benefits and the profound sense of engagement that would accompany this experience, both in the lead-up to our journey, throughout our stay, and even long after our return home.
My life’s aspirations have evolved significantly over time. Initially, my goal was to major in Biology and pursue a career as a pediatrician. However, my vision for the future has expanded, and I now plan to major in Biology and Global Health, with a minor in African American Studies. This change reflects my deep commitment to addressing pressing healthcare challenges on a global scale, particularly in underserved communities. My newfound ambition revolves around conducting research to develop cures and treatments for Sickle Cell Anemia, with a particular focus on pediatric patients. Additionally, I aspire to collaborate with global health committees and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to enhance medical services, improve access to healthcare, ensure communities have access to clean water and teach Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). My time at WISER has undoubtedly contributed to the refinement of my goals and the development of my global health perspective. It has further solidified my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world through my academic pursuits and future endeavors. So all I can say is asante sana WISER!
