WISER Alum Earns 1st Honours at University

WISER Alum Earns 1st Honours at University

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.

My Duke Engage Experience

Faith Francis receiving the award for being the best candidate in Computer studies subject.

My WISER Experience

I first learned about WISER from Sherryl’s AIDS & Emerging class in the spring of my first year at Duke. That class inspired my desire to pursue the Global Health major, which had an experiential learning component that I decided to fulfill with a summer in Muhuru Bay through DukeEngage. I spent the summer of 2018 in Muhuru Bay working primarily on sexual & reproductive health (SRH) projects in addition to non-clinical support at Tagache Clinic, teaching in primary schools, and supporting a community-based HIV intervention program that was established through Dr. Eve Puffer’s research in the years prior. There are many fond memories from my summer there, but one that stands out is co-teaching at Kumoni with Lilllian: it was certainly challenging managing a large classroom, but it was great taking on the challenge together, seeing the students learn over time, learning more about the community outside of WISER, and getting closer with the students. Reflecting on the entire summer, I appreciated the calmness of living in Muhuru Bay and enjoyed the opportunity to disconnect from social media and life back at home.

After WISER 

In the years that followed my summer in Muhuru Bay, my focus shifted a bit more toward academics and starting my professional career. I had my sights set on consulting since high school, so that’s where I focused my professional energies, but my academic passions remained in Global/Public health, and WISER kept a special place in my heart. I had plans to return as the WISER DukeEngage Site Coordinator in 2020 before starting my job, but the program was canceled that summer due to COVID. Since graduating from Duke, I’ve been working in consulting at Bain & Company in Atlanta, GA. I’ve done a few projects that have touched my global health learnings, but I’m a generalist consultant that has worked across industries and business challenges. My interest in returning to WISER remained strong, and Bain has a few different opportunities for short-term leave, so I was finally able to take on the Site Coordinator role this past summer. It was great to be back! The WISER campus has grown and while all the students I met back in 2018 had since moved on, most of the amazing teachers and staff are still there and Muhuru Bay still has its same charm. We had a great summer pursuing ~20 projects at WISER and in the community. Our group’s reflection presentation also won “Best Representation of Cultural Immersion” and “Best Overall” in the DukeEngage Fall Reunion.

I’m now settled back into my job in Atlanta, but I plan to continue staying involved with WISER. The leadership transitions resulted in a vacancy in the Treasurer role on the Board, and after thoughtful consideration, I was selected to fill it starting this fall. I’m excited to take on this role and to help manage this alumni newsletter and group!

Are you a WISER DukeEngage Alumni who’s ready to re-engage? Email Nick at [email protected].

Wiser Joins Over One Million Candidates in the 2023 KCSE

Wiser Joins Over One Million Candidates in the 2023 KCSE

 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.

 

Reflections from Duke Engage

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!

Mme. Dorcas Featured in Nation Africa Magazine

Mme. Dorcas Featured in Nation Africa Magazine

On Thursday, April 13, Our own Madame Dorcas was featured in Nation Africa for her work with WISER and keeping girls in school during COVID.

Select the link below to read her incredible story of service, sacrifice, and dedication.

“How Migori teacher kept girls in school during Covid break” by Josaya Wasonga