Those who, like Tunde Folawiyo, support youth development organisations, know just how significant an impact these establishments can have on young peoples’ lives. Esther Some, a former student of the African Leadership Academy, is a perfect example of the transformative power of youth-centred educational programmes. Like many other students of this school, she experienced significant challenges during the early years of her life, but through her hard work, determination and courage, managed to overcome the obstacles which stood in her way.
Esther was born to South Sudanese parents, but spent her childhood in the Kenyan city of Nairobi. She was lucky enough to grow up in a family which valued education, and was encouraged from a young age to excel in her studies. Her father was adamant that she was just as academically capable as her brothers; this not only inspired Esther to do well at school, but also led her to developing a passion for female empowerment.
In order to continue on with her studies in Kenya, Esther and her family had to register as refugees, and so for a month, they lived in a tiny shack in a refugee camp in Kakuma. Esther describes the conditions of this camp as ‘deplorable’. It shocked her that others were forced to live in such an awful environment for months, or even years on end. This experience changed her, and made her more determined than ever; she began to take pride in her South Sudanese heritage, and became interested in helping other students who were being marginalised due to their economic backgrounds or heritage.
Whilst attending the Alliance Girls secondary school, Esther decided to apply for a place at the African Leadership Academy. Despite her parent’s reservations – they believed she should complete her students at her high school, before pursuing a specialised academic course – she sent in her application. Out of the 200 Kenyan students who applied, only Esther and ten others were accepted.
Being familiar with the ALA, Tunde Folawiyo understands how many doors it can open up for its students. Esther’s entry into the ALA provided her with a number of incredible opportunities, one of which was an invitation to serve as delegate at the Forum for Young African Women Leaders, which was led by the First Lady, Michelle Obama.
The classes she took, and the support she received from both her teachers and her peers, provided her with the confidence to apply to Yale, and request a full scholarship. This was a courageous move on Esther’s part, as many of her very talented and intelligent classmates had already been rejected by this Ivy League University. However, due to her impeccable academic record, Esther was accepted, and received a 99% scholarship.