Scholar Program

In 2022, Tree of Life welcomed George Mbugwa Kimani, “Teacher George,” as the coordinator of the Scholars Program, which supports children who have graduated from Allamano School as well as Joy Village alumni pursuing post-secondary education. The program’s mission is to equip students with the guidance and skills needed to secure meaningful employment and support themselves and their families. The Scholar Program pays for tuition and other school-related supplies like school shoes, uniforms, bags, textbooks and stationery for kids in lower grades, upper grades, junior high and those in secondary schools. Young adults in colleges and universities are also provided with tuition, hostel fees and other budgeted costs.  

Participation in the program is a privilege, and students are expected to follow established guidelines. George, with support from a parent-led community board, created a structured rubric to help students stay focused, maintain accountability, and achieve academic success. Quarterly parent and student meetings have been well-attended, and students submit their grades each term. A clear disciplinary policy ensures that students maintain the standards of this program. By the end of 2025, the Scholars Program included 130 students, 37 of whom are from the Joy Village. Four scholars are enrolled in university, six are attending college, and nine have completed their Form Four national exams and are awaiting results to determine their next steps into university or college. The remaining 116 scholars are enrolled in Grade Two through Form Four.

MEET GEORGE:

For more than 16 years, Tree of Lives partnered with the Allamano School to provide quality education and opportunity for children in the Nazareth community. Throughout that time, George was been a faithful and dedicated leader and educator, teaching Math and Science.

In 2022, George transitioned from his role at Allamano School into a new position with Tree of Lives overseeing the Scholar Program. He provides leadership and oversight, supporting students as they pursue secondary school, college, and university education. He works closely with students, families, and schools to monitor academic progress, provide encouragement, and ensure scholars have the resources they need to succeed.

George's deep knowledge of the community, his passion for education, and his unwavering dedication to the mission of Tree of Lives make him uniquely equipped for this job. Alongside his wife, Lydia, and their three children, George is a trusted partner, advocate, and mentor for countless young people whose lives have been transformed through education.

Meet Some of Our Scholars

 MEET PATRICK, a Joy Village Scholar

Patrick came to the Joy Village in 2011 as an orphan. He’s originally from Githunguri County, but has lived at the Joy Village since he was 10 years old. As part of the Joy Village family, he attended Muringeti Primary School and continued his studies at Komothai Boys High School. As part of his education, he began an internship at a milk processing plant located nearby in the town of Limuru. He was hired as a full-time boiler operator and the management of the facility have been impressed by his hard work and dedication, acknowledging him with a sizeable bonus every month in addition to his salary.

MEET KELVIN, an Allamano Scholar

Kelvin’s education has been supported by Tree of Lives for many years and he is flourishing in secondary school. Even when things were unstable at home, he continued to work hard and put education first. He is currently living completely on his own and supporting himself with rent, food, and other belongings while also staying in school. He is in form three and only has one year left before his secondary exams. After the completion of high school, Kevin hopes to pursue mechanical engineering.

MEET EVERLYNE, an Allamano Scholar

Everlyne joined the Allamano School in 2009 where she studied for 3 years. Her 6 other brothers and sisters were raised in Kiambu County by a single mother. Throughout her childhood, she and her older sisters helped her mother whenever they could to earn extra money. Tree of Lives has supported her throughout her entire school career. In 2016, after doing extremely well on her exams, she was able to move onto Kijabe Girls High School. She continued to do well in school even when things at home were difficult. She is so thankful for the love and support shown throughout and continues to strive for success as she moves through high school. 

1. A nutritious lunch and snacks every day for all students. For many, this is their only meal of the day.

2. All supplies needed for school, including books, backpacks, uniforms, and shoes.

3. Boxes of Love at Christmas to provide six weeks of food and household supplies to the Allamano students’ families during the holiday break.

4. Continued education in fourth grade and beyond for those who have completed the Allamano School (tuition costs + related items) to all students.