Prof. Francis Orata, a Professor of Environmental and Toxicology Chemistry at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, is not just an accomplished researcher and an academic of repute. He is touching lives and changing destinies by connecting needy students to scholarships and other opportunities, including funded start-ups. Prof. Orata, through the Harambee-Limburg Foundation, commonly known as Holland Friends organization, has helped identify underprivileged students in the Western region of Kenya as beneficiaries of the group’s scholarship program. The Foundation, which operates from the Netherlands and Kenya, has sponsored about eight hundred and forty (840) students, some through high school and others through tertiary education.
Sharma Namaafu Ceaser, thanks to Prof. Orata, is one such student that was sponsored to study at Moi Girls High School-Eldoret and has now joined MMUST to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery. “As a foundation, I am very proud of what we have been able to achieve so far, and that is ensuring that children from poor backgrounds have access to quality education,” stated Prof. Orata, a board member of the foundation in Kenya, who is tasked to coordinate the Western region. He also pointed out that the organization uses churches and area chiefs to get information about vulnerable children in various communities, but is keen to verify that such children are truly needy. It is worth noting that Prof. Orata is one of the main founding members of the organization, established by young people in the 90s following a training which took place in Holland.
Prof. Orata with Sharma Ceaser, one of the students that he has helped to secure sponsorship.
In an interview with DCCM, Sharma expressed her gratitude to Holland Friends organization for paying her school fees. She revealed that her brother is also a beneficiary of this program and is currently pursuing Law at Daystar University.
Notably, Prof. Orata and his associates have sponsored students from deprived backgrounds to study at MMUST, the University of Nairobi (UON), Daystar University and Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU). A good number of them have successfully transitioned into the job market to become lawyers, teachers, nurses and doctors, while others are provided with an opportunity to volunteer at the foundation.
Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery first-year student, Sharma Ceaser at DCCM.
The Harambee-Limburg Foundation Kenya Board members consist of; Richard Rono-Chairman, Marilyn Kamanjiri-Vice Chairperson (deceased), Raphael Omondi-Treasurer, Maureen Adika-Secretary, Prof. Francis Orata-Coordinator, Reginald Nalugala-Coordinator, Arafa Ndope-member and Mwangi Gichinga-member. The Dutch Board members are; Matje Mattheij-Chairperson, Jos Stijnen-Treasurer, Marjon Kissels-Secretary, Jenny Huntjens Erckens and Eric Wishaupt. The Dutch board is mainly responsible for recruiting donors and sponsors, as well as conducting fundraising campaigns and Workshops.
Indeed, education is the vehicle that will catapult the underprivileged from the ‘have nots’ into the category of the ‘haves’ in the society. In order to break the cycle of poverty and connect such people to opportunities, professors must lead the way. Prof. Orata is doing just that!
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Joshua Chiro
