Phase II: Gap Period

Although Esther graduated high school in November, she must wait 22 months before beginning her university education, due to the application/admissions backlog in the Kenyan university system that favors those who have the means to pay and challenges those who depend on government support.

During her 22 month Gap Period Esther is assigned to Mercy, a social worker who acts as a big sister, mum and life-skills coach to a group of graduates in the GGBC Program.

Mercy helps Esther get settled in the Jacaranda Youth Hostel in Nairobi and takes Esther shopping at a secondhand store for clothing, linens and personal products. Mercy also helps Esther enroll in Visions Accounting School where Esther takes classes to keep her mind active while also arming herself with credits that will serve her well as she strives toward realizing a career in Banking. The GGBC provides funding for Esther’s room, board, personal products, clothing and accounting classes during the 22 month Gap Period.

Mercy gives Esther a small monthly allowance for personal needs and in return Esther provides Mercy with a documented budget of her spending. Esther continues to make Giving Back time and talent a part of her day-to-day life, and does volunteer work at a Street Children’s Centre near the youth hostel.

Now that Esther is out on her own, Andrea mentors Esther via the Internet. There is an Internet Cafe near the youth hostel and browsing fees are inexpensive. Part of Esther’s monthly allowance is allocated to mentoring-time browsing fees. Esther is faced with many challenges during this vulnerable time in her life. Andrea continues to mentor Esther on ‘My Five Selfs’, with increased focus on ‘My Relationship Self’ and ‘My Physical Self’.

In the months prior to beginning university, Mercy, Mrs. Wanjiru and KCDF work together to ensure Esther’s government scholarship paperwork is filed correctly and Esther’s grant is successfully transferred to Kenyatta University.

Next: Phase 3