Our Students
Please take a moment to read what some of our present Scholarship Students have to say about how the CGWEF scholarship program has been of benefit to them. It is sad beyond belief how many fathers walk away from their children, or how many children are orphaned for a variety of different reasons. Our students have been referred to us through many different means. Some have found us online in their search, and have begged us to accept them as education candidates. For the younger children, friends of friends have recommended them to us for consideration. There are many criteria to sort through in order to determine who we can help, and who we can’t.
Most of our students call John either Papa or Dad, (since they have none), and almost all call me Mum, which is a term reserved for those who are given much respect. I love and appreciate that very much.
I speak with many of my students on an almost weekly basis and frequently and am personally involved with helping them with their issues or simply offering a friendly shoulder for support. We made a trip to Ethiopia to personally help one of our students, whom you will meet shortly, with his Visa application. They all tell me frequently that without our help they would be in a hopeless situation.
Cyril C., Zimbabwe (orphan)
Actuarial Sciences
(Cyril was our first African student and was chosen by his caretakers at the orphanage as having the most potential to succeed.
During my undergraduate and honors years at Wits university, I was able to concentrate fully on my studies because Nicki and John paid for food, accommodation, school fees and tuition. When I struggled with academics they helped with a private tutor. I will forever be grateful.
The education I received has made me employable and has given me a gift that no one can take away. It has opened my eyes to life and the world and has helped me think and process information better. I was able to continue my toward my Masters and PhD. I have a scientific paper written and on its way to publication, and a scientific book chapter. I was able to further my actuarial studies and now work as a data scientist. It has opened opportunities that I had never imagined.
I believe education is the best inheritance that one can give. I thank you for providing me with the opportunity and the privilege of education. My life completely changed from where I thought I would be to where I am now. Through you, God worked wonders.
Thank you!
Billy L., Kenya (fatherless)
Geospatial Engineering
Update 2025, February: Billy has graduated in Geo-spacial Engineering and is currently looking for work in that field. He has sent over 30 applications to places all over Kenya to use his expertise.
I sincerely thank you for your generous support of my studies at the University of Nairobi. Before I received this amazing sponsorship, I had no hope and only a negative perspective of ever getting any further education. I struggled to make ends meet and I could not afford engineering textbooks. I was trying to work and then go to university one month at a time, but it became futile to raise the necessary fees and be able to study.
When I received hope, a shoulder to lean on, and assurance from mum and dad— Nicki and John— I couldn't believe it. I can now comfortably go to university without struggling for basic needs and my school fees.
This Foundation has brought much success to my life and enabled my path to become an engineer which also will help my entire society. Thank you for your concern, love, kindness and care. Your generosity will forever be our legacy.
The Bible says in Proverbs 19:17, Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.
Adane W., Ethiopia (orphan)
Hotel Management and Tourism
I was raised by my aunt because my parents died. Her husband, a farmer, did not support my education, and at the age of 12, I was forced to leave their home. I had nowhere to go, no place to sleep, and no way to find food. I began living on the streets, struggling to survive. To earn a small income, I worked carrying suitcases from the bus station to the city and walked six miles daily to rural areas to cut wood and bring it back to sell. I could not sleep on the streets because police patrols often came at night and beat us, forcing us to flee.
I went to school when I could. In 2016 our school required all students to bring a photo for their admission cards, but I didn’t have enough money for it. Then, I met a woman with a professional camera and asked if she could kindly take a picture and send it to my email account.
This small encounter led to an incredible opportunity. I shared my story with her, and she encouraged me to focus on my studies. She assured me that if I maintained good grades, she and her husband would support my education. My city did not have a college, so I had to travel 365 km to enroll and continue my studies. It was a challenge because I was constantly occupied with finding food and a place to sleep. As a result, my grades were not high enough to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor or a nurse. However, I qualified to study tourism and graduated with high honors in Tour Operations at the end of 2019.
Finding employment was not easy. I spent a year searching for a job, but due to the pandemic, opportunities were scarce. Eventually, I secured an office position in a tourism company and over time, the owner gave me the chance to work as a tour guide and driver. Slowly, our professional relationship grew into a strong bond, and I became his right-hand person, taking on significant responsibilities. It has now been over five years since I started working with him, and he has entrusted me with great opportunities— including attending a business conference in China.
God gave me a loving family: Nicki and John, whom I now call Mum and Papa, to watch over me. Today, they are supporting me in starting my own tourism business, helping me turn my dreams into reality.
This journey— from being homeless to building a career and a family— has been filled with trials, but faith, perseverance, and the kindness of others have shaped my life into one of hope and purpose.
David L., Kenya (married with 2 children, poverty level)
Theological Studies, Pastor
Update 2023, October: David has a wife and two children to care for, along with going to seminary full time, and pastoring at a new church that he started. He first met his wife under a tree, together they sat on a rock to listen to the message. They now have a tin-roof house to keep out of the beating rays of the sun, as well as keep out the rain. Because everyone in the village is very poor there are no collections of offerings. This means that David must also supply his family's needs. His wife does much of the work. They have switched to raising chickens from owning a butchery, which did not pay much. It did encounter robbers, who on one occasion shot off a gun with a bullet that went through one wall and rococheted off another that came back toward his wife and baby. They were terrified. They have never recouped the $300 plus the freezer full of meat. In the Samburu tribe, that is a lot of money to lose to theft
“I so appreciate the opportunity to say thanks to the Collins Geigert Foundation for their unlimited support towards my education life. The foundation has really brought a great positive impact to my life, my dreams of becoming an inspiring preacher and explore the world through preaching the word of God. I have almost completed my studies which has been my entire life’s goal and anticipation. I have been blessed to be a grant recipient.”
Yvone N., Kenya (fatherless)
Freshman, University
Update 2025, February: Yvone, Shadia's older sister, started with the Foundation in 2022 and with our help was given the opportunity to start Secondary school. Since then Yvone has grown and succeeded immensely and is not a freshman at University.
“I would like to show my gratitude for this opportunity that the Collins Geigert Foundation has granted to me. It has really changed my life and I can now afford to smile.
Without the education I am now getting, I would probably be a prostitute, like my mother, with kids in my own town. I promise to work hard, get good grades for university, get a good job and build a house for my mother and help others who may be in a similar situation as me.”
Shadia T., Kenya (fatherless) and is the younger sister of Yvone
Primary school, Grade 4
Update 2025, February: Shadia is now in grade 4. She was placed in a boarding school by the Foundation for her safety and to be in a stress-free environment consistently in classes. Shadia loves her boarding school, is learning very well now and getting excellent grades.
(As told to her caretaker)
I was always being moved from one place to another. I had no real home. My Mum always gives me to other people to watch. They were very mean. I ran away. I am very happy to finally be in school.
Adan C., Kenya (fatherless)
University graduate, Supply Chain Management
Update 2025, February: Adan has graduated from university with a degree in Supply Chain Management and has a job lined up in April. He is keenly interested in working with NGO groups to determine the needs of desperate people in Africa.
I feel very honored and blessed to be a recipient of the education I am getting from the Collins Geigert World Education Foundation. If I had not been given this education opportunity, I would have even more serious health problems. My greatest passion in life has been to pursue a higher degree in my field of study. This would have never been possible without the educational support of this nonprofit. I have waited and prayed for many years to be able to further my education. And I am truly blessed that you showed up to help me attain one of my greatest dreams.
With much thanks.
Nellie K., Kenya
Just passed Primary exams and is now able to move on to Secondary school
Update 2025, February: Nellie is in grade 10 of secondary school and her father has been able to take over paying for her education.
Dear John and Nicki,
First and foremost I would like to thank the Collins Geigert Education Foundation for helping me to pass my exams and graduate to Secondary school. My parents both lost their jobs during the COVID shutdown. My Dad could not even afford to buy food or clothes for us. This put stress on my sister and me and was hard for me to focus on my exams. I no longer have that stress about my dad having enough money to pay for Stacey and my schooling.
It has been such a great honor from God, for He has blessed us when He brought you guys into our lives. All I can say is thank you and thank God for all you have done for us through the Foundation. You are doing so much for so many and deserve a lot of appreciation.
Thank you,
Nellie K.
Stacie K., Kenya
Graduated
Stacie is our second successful graduate with plans to become a flight attendant.
Stephen M., Kenya
Medical Clinician Student
Stephen M is a new student who joined our Foundation in 2024
I am honoured to be a recipient of Collins/Geigert foundation support in pursuing my medical course. The foundation has inspired me to strive for excellence in my studies and career. With your support I can proudly say that am committed to becoming a dedicated clinician focused on improving healthcare and saving life in the community at large.
Driven by the generosity that Collins Geigert has shown to me, it's my goal to contribute meaningfully to the medical field.
Thank you for believing in my potentials and helping me turn my dreams into reality. Now I have a future to hold on to.
May God bless you all.
Annia H., Kenya (orphan)
IT Student, College
Update 2025, February: I am in the best college and learning many things which are positive about my course of study and have passion with my IT classes.
I hope you are fine in Jesus name. May I once again take the opportunity to thank Nicki foundation for sponsoring my education. I have a smile on my face when I think of how the foundation has revived my hopes which were lost when I was told that I had to find a way to go to school or my uncles would marry me to some old man. I am only 14 years and that was terrifying and I had lost all hope.
Jesus sent you to rescue me. I promise to learn hard as I am doing now so that when I grow up I will be a lawyer to advocate for girl child safety from my small community.
Thank you both.
Meshack R., Kenya
Third-year student, Maseno University
Meshack is a new student and joined our Foundation in 2024.
My name is Meshack Roba, from Marsabit county. Currently a 3rd year Student at Maseno University in Kenya. I am glad to be part of Collins Geigert Foundation because it has stood with me and provided me with what I needed to succeed as a student.
When I first met Nicki and John, I was so excited and knew my life will be good and so it was. Many thanks to you.
My dream is to work in my community and stand tall for those who are mistreated and in dire need of representations. I will air their views tirelessly until justice is done for them but I can't do this alone. I pray God to help me and see me through my dreams.
Long live Collins Geigert Foundation!
Stephen L., Kenya (Orphan)
Primary school, Grade 6
(Stephen was a goat-herder boy up until he was 12. He had not been to school and had not wanted to go, so his mother let him stay back. When he finally decided that he wanted to, he started in grade 3, and then within 6 months he was moved to grade 4. He is now 16 years old. He started school in the local village school, but when his mother was killed in a car accident this past year he had to switch schools and went to live with his mother's sister. Because students seem to get distracted with other things, we have told all of our primary and secondary students that for every A grade they return on their quarterly report card, they will receive $10. So far, Stephen is the only one out of 8 students to have gotten 3 A grades.)
Update 2025, February: Stephen is one of our best students with almost straight As. He is in grade 7 and doing well.
I am Stephen L. I take this opportunity to thank the Collins Geigert World Education Foundation for offering me this scholarship to pay my school fees and to ensure that I have all of my uniform and book requirements for school. This education has changed my life. I have learned how to read and write both in Kiswahili and in English, hence I can communicate well with other people. For my part, I will return good results to you.
Sundowner L., Kenya (orphan)
Graduated from school and will be working
Update 2025, February: Sundowner has graduated from Secondary School and plans to go into tourism.
Dear Nicki and John,
As a recipient of Collins Geigert World Education Foundation, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your support towards my education. I would not have come this far. I apologize for getting bad grades. I have been trying, but I have not done well. I have been having a lot of pain in my heart since losing my mother and brother. I wonder why death has been so sudden to my family. It has been hard to concentrate. I am sorry for letting you down. I promise to work harder and achieve great marks in the coming exams. Once again, thank you for your generous gift. Your support will go a long way in achieving my education and career goals.
Your loving son.
Silvania
A new student for the Collins Geigert World Education Foundation as of 2023
Update 2023, October: Silvana has been studying English for the past year and can finally speak and write it. She is married and has a little girl and is the sister of Stephen and Sundowner.
Vincent L., Kenya (orphan)
Student, Zetech University
Update: Vincent graduated from Secondary School in November, 2023 with help from the Foundation, and after a year was able to enter university in 2024. He is doing well in school.
I am doing well, since my graduation from secondary school I have been at home. I helped my parents by looking after the cattle since there were no job opportunities in our hometown and I also didn't have enough skills.
I am currently in Zetech University. Since I started university in January, I have really noticed a big change. I have interacted with people from different places and this is also a good opportunity to shape my future and to achieve my dreams.
I am humbled to be one of students in the Foundation and I will always be thankful to you for the continued love and support you have shown to me.
Jackson L., Kenya (fatherless)
Education Major, 2nd Year at University
Jackson is a new student who joined our Foundation in 2024
I am 22 years old, I am from Archer's Post Samburu Kenya, I am a second year student pursuing a Bachelor's in Education at Mount Kenya University.
l was born in a family of four boys, I am the first born, I was raised by a single parent, my father died when I was in grade 7.
My mother struggle to pay my high school fees through a small business but since we are four in our family the business collapse due to high expenses and also lack of enough capital to boost the business which led to other my brothers not to continue with the school, but thanks to God l finished my high school and got a C+. Life at home became hard even now, since it was even hard to meet our daily needs like food, clothes, and fees to pay for my second brother who was supposed to join high school last year, 2024. I am the only hope in my family, that's why am always working hard in order to help them in the future.
I joined campus after I received a scholarship from Collins-Geigert Foundation.
Jeniffer D., Kenya
Community Affairs, 2nd Year at University
Jeniffer is a new student who joined our Foundation in 2024
Before I joined College at Nyeri National Polytechnic, I was a volunteer at local health centre and gave my time and commitment serving people in need and especially vulnerable children and mothers for 7 years after my secondary school.
I always wanted to go to college but couldn't because of the economic status of my family. My dreams came to reality when I sent a scholarship request to Collins Geigert Foundation. I luckily got scholarship from the foundation and I am proudly in college. The foundation changed my life, provided for me everything I needed for my studies. I am forever grateful to Nicky and John for such a blessing.
After my studies and graduation I will wish to engage my myself with community affairs and bring hope to the less fortunate in the society.
God bless Collins Geigert Foundation for a life changing blessings.
Isaac L. L., Kenya
Software Engineering student, University
Isaac is a new student who joined our Foundation in 2024.
Heartfelt Gratitude for Your Support.
I would like to take a moment to sincerely express my deepest gratitude for the incredible support you have given me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering at Zetech University. Before receiving this scholarship, I felt utterly hopeless and stressed, as I desperately wished to further my education. Despite my best efforts, all my attempts to achieve this goal seemed in vain, leaving me overwhelmed with uncertainty and anxiety.
When I received the news of my scholarship, I was filled with immense joy and thankfulness. It felt like God had answered my prayers. The moment I was informed of my success, I was overjoyed, and I couldn't believe it. I was truly moved by the kindness and encouragement of Mom Nicki and Dad John. Your support has made it possible for me to attend university with peace of mind, no longer burdened by worries about basic needs, tuition fees, or medical expenses.
This Foundation has been the cornerstone of my success, enabling me to chase my dream of becoming a Senior Software Engineer, not only for my own growth but also to positively impact my community. The opportunity you've given me is transforming my life in ways I could never have imagined. Your generosity and compassion will leave a lasting legacy, and I will be eternally grateful.
As it is written in 2 Corinthians 9:11: "You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."
With profound thanks and appreciation.
Student Gallery
