A Journey Deeply Rooted in Art, A Lifetime Dedicated to Creativity

A Journey Deeply Rooted in Art, A Lifetime Dedicated to Creativity

-written by John Mutahi, HHFL alum

From the moment I fell in love with art, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life. Back in the day, you would find me spending most of my time in the art room during the HHFL holiday bootcamp programme. It was more than just a classroom; it was where my passion lived and where my creative journey began.

I remain forever grateful to the Hanne Howard Fund Lenana(click the link to see more) for providing us with a space to explore, learn, and nurture our artistic talents. The values of discipline, respect, and teamwork instilled in us have continued to shape my journey.

My passion for art eventually led me to pursue Interactive Media in college, opening doors to opportunities I could only have imagined.

Last year, I had the privilege of joining the production of Paramount+’s series, The Agency, which was filmed in Kenya, as a Visual Effects (VFX) Trainee. It was a significant milestone in my career and an opportunity that came through years of persistence, dedication, and an unwavering belief in my craft. Working alongside talented mentors, directors, cinematographers, and actors was an invaluable experience, one that I will always cherish.

This year, I am closing another chapter on a high note, having worked on several animation projects, including a National Geographic documentary, Pride of Samburu. Through PUNGULU PA(click the link to see more), a Kenyan animation studio passionate about creating kids’ content that celebrates Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage through fun and entertaining experiences, I had the opportunity to work as a compositor, handling the compositing of the documentary’s animation sequences. Our videos are currently airing on Akili TV – a local station that only airs kids content, and also on Youtube.

For the young boy who once spent countless hours in the art room dreaming of what the future might hold, being part of such a project is nothing short of extraordinary. It is a reminder of how far passion, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning can take you.

I am still chasing this beautiful thing called art. And whenever I look back at where it all began, the journey almost feels surreal.

To everyone who has played a part in this journey, thank you. I am deeply grateful for every lesson, opportunity, mentor, and experience.

Keep creating. Keep learning. Keep dreaming.

Baraka Tele!(a million blessings!)

A Milestone Worth Celebrating – Mercy the Marketing Guru, Turned a People -Manager

A Milestone Worth Celebrating – Mercy the Marketing Guru, Turned a People -Manager
🎓

-written by Mercy Kangwato, HHFL Alum

I’m grateful to share that I have officially completed my Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management from the College of Human Resource Management, a course that was proudly sponsored by my employer to boost my post as the Chief HR & Admin Officer.

Even more special, I was honoured to receive the Tom Shivo Award for being the Best Overall Student in the Training & Development KNEC Course Unit, November 2025 series. I’m deeply grateful to CHRP-K, Tom Shivo, for personally presenting the award to me on Friday, 25th September 2026.

This milestone adds to my academic journey, which includes my Marketing Bachelor’s Degree  from Strathmore University, made possible through the generous support of the Hanne Howard Fund Lenana. As an alumna, I remain deeply grateful for the investment they made in my education and future.

My commitment to continuous learning has also extended beyond formal academic qualifications. Last year, I graduated from a 10-week intensive self-sponsored Virtual Assistant programme through the ALX Virtual Assistant Programme by the African Leadership Academy, equipping me with practical skills for remote work and digital support. I am currently actively exploring Virtual Assistant opportunities where I can put these skills to work and continue growing professionally as I work as a HR & Admin Manager for a private logistics firm here in Nairobi.

This particular qualification also came with its own unique challenge- I sat for the exams during my first trimester of pregnancy, a season of nausea, fatigue and many other demands. It wasn’t easy, but I kept reminding myself that the discomfort was temporary, but the investment in my career would have a lasting impact. I now have the certificate and a bouncing baby boy to boot!

Looking back, I’m reminded that education is one of the greatest investments we can make in a person. The support I received through HHFL & my employer gave me an opportunity, and I hope my journey continues to reflect the value of those investments by creating impact and opportunities for others.

I’m grateful to God for the strength and grace, to my family and everyone who has supported me along the way especially my number one supporter, my husband and Stellar Generation Kenya Co-Founder, Austine Muga and to every institution and mentor that has contributed to my growth.

One milestone achieved. More learning, growth, opportunities and impact ahead. ❤️

Completion of My Law School Internship at OMA Advocates

Completion of My Law School Internship at OMA Advocates

-Written by Nicholas Mutuku, Law School Student

I am writing to share with you that I have completed my internship at OMA Advocates today, 28th August 2026 so as to go back to school. It has been quite a period and I enjoyed every bit of it. I am leaving OMA Advocates with a brain full of lessons and a heart full of gratitude. Let me break down my experience for you.

Joining OMA I was anxious, I was afraid of making mistakes. I remember the night before travelling to the office for my very first day I went through my notes, skimmed through the constitution and also polished on my favourite cases. Not because I was lacking in content nor was I intent on becoming a legal virtuoso overnight, the simple way of putting it, is that I was afraid. I had never worked in an office before, I always believed that the people who worked there had something that I was lacking. Now here I was, a few strikes on the clock and it would be morning and I will be going to an office to intern, and I had not figured out what it is they had that I was lacking. I will be lying if I say I didn’t think of not going.

But this was an opportunity, and opportunities are meant to be grabbed. I composed myself and started my journey to OMA Advocates in Westlands. I first lost my way because I had never been to this neighbourhood before but I found my way through the directions of the person who was to receive me, he has become a great friend of mine. 

I was received warmly and the anxiety I had slowly faded. I was shown my desk and Naomi had already prepared some work for me. It was a Conveyancing task and I was to review the documents and point out where I thought there were gaps. I handled it quite well and where I had erred I got corrections. It was an amazing start.

Throughout the course of my stay here at OMA, I had dealt with conveyancing, family matters and civil matters(litigation). I have learnt quite a lot. I have learnt the court process, the requisite documents for different matters, how to draft the said documents, how to file them in the CTS (the electronic filing system that Kenyan courts are currently using),  how to navigate the system, I have polished on my research skills and writing skills.

I spent a tremendous amount of time on research and writing, Naomi constantly reminded me that a case is won at the pleadings stage. I understood that no matter how good an argument is, inability to pen it down in a manner that can convince the Magistrate or a Judge, then it was as good as nothing. I am grateful I have learnt this earlier on in my career and I have had the most awesome mentors. I was recently asked to draft a replying affidavit to a certain claim and so I did. A few days ago, Naomi filed the replying Affidavit and it was exactly the one I had drafted with a few variations. This really meant a lot to me, it was a reminder that I was doing something right and I have been learning.

Also, I have learnt that to become polished in this legal field you have to be curious, to learn even beyond the course work. I have learnt that I have to understand the different industries and their operations. To represent someone or to keep them protected you have to understand the nature of their environment and the policies that are operational in their fields. Going back to school, I am planning on learning more about the major companies of Kenya and beyond, their policies, their fears and their goals. This will enable me to widen my career path and also make me more sophisticated in different fields.

All this could have not been possible without the continued support from Baba Ted and HHFL. I would have never set my foot at the doorstep of OMA Advocates without you pulling some strings. For this I will forever be indebted to you. I am grateful for every opportunity you have granted me since my childhood. You will always be part of my story.

Growing Hope Through Vertical Garden

Growing Hope Through Vertical Garden

–written by Bernadette Wasike, an alumnus of HHFL

Its been a while! Hello HHFL community.  Bernadette here, still your artist but this time I am here to share an update on my horticulturalist🌱passion.

Earlier this year, I got invited for an interview for a social media manager role and assistant project manager at St. Therese Roussel House in Karen. 

I had high hopes as I felt the interview went well, however they took awhile to get back to me. 

Then, this one particular day, I received a call from the managing Sister, set for a meeting in which I was informed that I had got that job.😊🥳

The job would involve managing their social media accounts since they didn’t have any at that time so I would be responsible for creating and running their social accounts. 

I was to also work as a project assistant. They have several projects running within the facility which are a vocational school , a guest house and a small garden. 

For the vocational school one of my roles would be to draft proposals and look for funding so that these students can continue with their education. I was to also be responsible with marketing their skills to ensure successful placements after graduation.

For the guest house through social media marketing I was to be responsible for bringing in clients.

Given my background in horticultural studies, I would be contributing expert advice where necessary for the garden. 

When I joined the Vertical Garden project as the assistant coordinator, I quickly realized that this is much more than an agricultural initiative—it is a project that is transforming lives.

Many of the families we work with have limited land, making it difficult to grow enough food for their households. Through the introduction of vertical gardens, they are now able to produce fresh vegetables in small spaces, improving both household nutrition and food security. What was once an unused corner of a homestead has become a thriving source of healthy food.

One of the most inspiring aspects of this project is seeing community members gain confidence in their ability to provide for their families. Women, youth, and older persons are actively participating in the trainings, learning practical farming techniques that they can sustain using locally available resources. Beyond feeding their families, some participants have started selling surplus vegetables, creating an additional source of income.

As the Project Assistant Coordinator, I feel privileged to witness these changes firsthand. Every training session, every garden established, and every success story reminds me that sustainable solutions can have a lasting impact when communities are empowered with the right knowledge and support. So far, we have trained about 600 people and the sky could only be the limit.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role. It is incredibly fulfilling to be part of a project that restores hope, promotes self-reliance, and strengthens community resilience. I look forward to continuing this journey and working alongside our partners and donors to reach even more households with the life-changing benefits of vertical gardening.

Muli’s Agronomist Career Dream Takes Its Leap into Reality

Muli’s Agronomist Career Dream Takes Its Leap into Reality

-Written by Muli, HHFL’s alum

Brief background from Tchr. Isaiah:

Muli Muasya has been with us since 2006, and we have done a number of blogs highlighting his journey on our website. After the death of their dad, who was the family’s breadwinner, We took Muli in, as well as his elder brother Steve – who is now a renowned coffee barista in the United Arab Emirates.

For Muli, and like our many other children, we have seen an adorable transformation pattern right from their toddler times when they were busy playing in the sand pit, messing about with crayons and drawing papers, to later stages of life until they become young adults who can make mature independent life’s decisions. Out of all the activities we offered to him, Muli fell in love with the farm. Our slum yard didn’t give him too much room to fully explore the farm other than a tiny garden where we grew greens, but there is a light bulb in him that got ignited, and gave rise to a passion in him to pursue agriculture – a career that a lot of our current generation young people want less to do with it. He’s stayed the focus, and is here to share a fresh update right from the farm, down below:

From Muli:

I hope this message finds you well. I am doing fine and am excited to once again express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Your contribution to my education has made a tremendous difference, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity to keep moving forward.

This year has been a period of growth and learning. Academically, I completed my exams in July and hope to graduate by the end of this year. The coursework and projects have been both challenging and rewarding, and I feel more confident in my abilities and prepared for the next stage of my career.

Professionally, I had the opportunity to complete two internships at Lewa Farm in the Lewa Conservancy near Mt. Kenya. During these periods, I gained valuable practical experience and learned extensively about farming, particularly organic farming, which involves growing crops without the use of synthetic fertilizers or inorganic pesticides.

In early September, I was employed as an Assistant Agronomist at Lewa Farm, where I primarily assist with supervision and provide agricultural advice to both farmers and the farm in general. During this time, I have gained hands-on experience that is helping me develop key skills in farm management, animal health, and many other areas essential to a successful agricultural career.

Overall, this year has reinforced my commitment to building a meaningful future. I can now comfortably foot my own bills from the pay I get. Your support continues to inspire me to work hard and make the most of the opportunities before me. I am truly grateful for your belief in my potential. To Baba Ted, you opened a door for me to get my foot into real farm work here at Lewa. I will always remember this.

Thank you once again for your generosity and encouragement.

Warm regards, Warren Muli

Evans Mbogo Rises Above all Odds to Create His own Dream Career

Evans Mbogo Rises Above all Odds to Create His own Dream Career

-Written by Lucy Nyambura, HHFL’s Project Manager

Who Is Evans Mbogo?

A Story of Resilience, Courage, and the Power of Opportunity: Every once in a while, you meet a young person whose journey reminds you why support, compassion, and second chances matter. Evans Mbogo, now 24, is one of those young people. His life is a living testimony that when a child is loved, guided, and believed in, they grow into someone capable of changing not only their own future but also the world around them.

 Growing Up with HHFL

From the time he was a tiny toddler, Evans has known HHFL as his true family. He started in Tiny Tots in 2006, graduated to primary school, and later to high school all through the support and guidance of HHFL.

But his journey wasn’t without obstacles. His first year of high school, set in a cold rural environment, took a toll on his health. He fell ill repeatedly and missed school on and off. When he returned to HHFL and explained his situation, the team acted like a real family would compassionately and immediately. They assessed the problem and transferred him rather than risk his health. “HHFL is a family like no other,” he says gratefully.

 Finding His Path: From Plumbing to Passion

After high school, Evans completed a plumbing course within a year. But job opportunities were scarce. Instead of giving up, he stepped out in faith. He worked as a matatu conductor, saved his earnings, and invested in barista training a decision that changed the direction of his life.

Today, Evans proudly works as a barista at Artcaffé, one of the leading café chains in Nairobi.

 Dreaming Bigger: The Road to Dubai

Recently, Evans received an opportunity to work in Dubai as a mixologist. The only missing piece was formal training. True to his determination, he immediately enrolled in a mixology school while still working full-time. He is pushing himself every day to qualify for this international opportunity.

Evans in His Own Words

 “I have never known a life without HHFL. They raised me, believed in me, and taught me to never give up. Now I want to grow, work hard, and one day give back to the community just like I was helped.”

 A Bright Future Ahead

Evans’ story is proof that when kindness meets perseverance, transformation happens. HHFL is proud of the man he is becoming strong, hardworking, determined, and full of gratitude. Evans reminds us why we do what we do. Every child deserves a chance, support, and a place to belong. We celebrate his journey and look forward to the incredible future ahead of him. Thank you to all our partners and donors for believing in dreams like his.”

From Hanne Howard Fund Lenana to Female Fusion: A Journey of Growth and Gratitude

From Hanne Howard Fund Lenana to Female Fusion: A Journey of Growth and Gratitude

Written by Lydiah Maingi, an almunus of HHFL

Growing up at Hanne Howard Fund Lenana (HHFL), I was surrounded by people who believed in me, nurtured my potential, and provided me with opportunities that changed my early life. The unwavering support from Mama Hanne, Baba Ted, the HHFL management team, and generous donors shaped the person I am today. They instilled in me the values of hard work, resilience, and gratitude – lessons I carry with me in every step of my journey.

One of those life-changing opportunities for me came in January 2025, when I received an incredible job offer from Jennifer Blandos, the CEO of Female Fusion. Jennifer has been one of HHFL’s donors and ambassadors for more than 20 years, and to my surprise, she reached out to me on the 22nd of January to discuss a role at Female Fusion. We scheduled a Zoom meeting on the 23rd, where I had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer and her amazing personal assistant, Candace. During our conversation, they walked me through the tasks I would be handling if I chose to join their team.

After the meeting, I knew I couldn’t turn down the opportunity. The fact that Jennifer saw my potential and wanted me on her team was beyond anything I had ever imagined. She not only offered me the job but also arranged for my travel to Dubai, covering all expenses. To top it off, she welcomed me into her home with open arms. I must say, it felt like being in my mother’s house – the warmth, hospitality, and kindness were overwhelming. I was surrounded by wonderful people, including her lovely daughter Eva and Tendai, the best chef ever!

Before my travel, Isaiah gave me hands-on training to help me use all the tools we need at Female Fusion. While I was familiar with Microsoft computers, at Female Fusion we use Apple MacBooks and lots of helpful tools that make our work easier and faster. I learned how to use AI tools that help us support our members better – from writing posts to creating images and managing our community. The training covered everything from the basics of using my MacBook to working with our member platform, scheduling tools, and podcast equipment. I also learned how we use AI to help our members grow their businesses, like creating content, analyzing data, and automating routine tasks. What impressed me most was seeing how Female Fusion uses technology to make running a business simpler for women around the world. By the end of the training, I felt confident and excited to help other women entrepreneurs use these tools too.

Joining Female Fusion

My travel date was set for February 8th, and the purpose of my trip was to undergo training for two weeks with the incredible Female Fusion team, led by Candace, Tamsin, and Katherine. During my time there, I learned about the impactful work Female Fusion does and what my role would entail.

About Female Fusion

Female Fusion is a global professional network dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs to build profitable and impactful businesses. With an international community of over 60,000 women, including more than 1,000 paid members, Female Fusion provides resources, expert masterclasses, and a strong support system to help women turn their business aspirations into reality.

The organization offers various programs and events, such as the Growth Mastermind, designed to support women in starting, building, growing, and scaling their businesses. Additionally, Female Fusion produces a podcast titled “Women on the Rise,” featuring discussions on business topics and interviews with top female entrepreneurs worldwide.

While specific mission and vision statements are not explicitly detailed in the available sources, Female Fusion’s overarching goal is to create a community where women support each other and grow together, fostering an environment that encourages collaboration and mutual success.

A Full-Circle Moment

Reflecting on my journey, I am deeply grateful for the foundation HHFL provided me. The lessons I learned, the support I received, and the opportunities that came my way have led me to this new and exciting chapter with Female Fusion. This experience is a testament to the power of mentorship, opportunity, and unwavering belief in one’s potential.

To Mama Hanne, Baba Ted, HHFL’s management, and all the donors – thank you for believing in me. Your impact is immeasurable, and I hope to continue making you proud. To Jen and the Female Fusion trailblazers, thank you for believing in me, training me and entrusting me to deliver within your mission.

Breaking Barriers for Women in Technology

Breaking Barriers for Women in Technology

Written by Michelle, HHFL University Student

My name is Michelle Otieno, a first year student at Moi University pursuing a degree in Computer Science. I hail from a family of seven children. I only live with my father in Lenana Slum. I therefore grew up around my father who is also the sole breadwinner. I may say that growing up in a slum has not been easy.

Nevertheless, it has required self-discipline all through. There are tons of destructive activities that the youth engage in yet they are uncalled for. People my age have either indulged in drug abuse, early pregnancies or marriage. I consider myself lucky as I got shelter under the Hanne Howard Fund and
that salvaged me from such situations.

Where I come from education is valued yet hindered by many factors, the main one being fees. I’ll forever remain grateful to donors that come and help us unlock our hidden potential. I am determined to change the situation at home and my community at large.

Fifteen years ago, I didn’t see myself making it this far. After all the much needed support I have received, I have an obligation to also give back to society in future. My inspiration comes from the HHFL donors; they believe in us so much that they choose to spend their resources to support our dreams. Below, is one of those nostalgic pics of me in 2013 when I was getting introduced to the world of tech at HHFL.

In addition to that, I am inspired by the fact that I am the only child in my family that has managed to secure a spot in the university. To me, this is a huge milestone and it means a lot.

I am a badminton player. I first engaged with badminton in HHF and ever since I have developed a great liking for the sport. I also sing and like listening to music.

Music is considered therapy as it speaks to the soul. I also love making new friends. I do voluntary tutoring in HHF which is mainly to help my younger siblings in the organization with their studies. At times I offer words of encouragement because many times we find ourselves down emotionally and all it
takes is a sister to help with the situation.

I particularly enjoy spending time with family. I’ve learned that family is not just about blood relation. It’s about who is willing to hold your hand when you need itthe most. Family is the people that are always present in one’s life showing immense support even if they are not from the same kin. They show genuine care.

My family is my anchor in life, providing a sense of stability and security. They are my safe haven, a place where I can express myself, without judgment or reservation. In my eyes, family is the epitome of unconditional love. In HHF, I have not only found a home, but also a family. It is within its walls that I find
solace.

School has always been my fondest place. It is where education serves as a great equalizer, where everyone is given equal opportunities, regardless of their background. A school provides an environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. Moreover, it acts as a stepping stone for individuals to shape their future, as it offers the necessary tools and resources for personal gowth and development


At school, I have had the privilege to learn and interact with people from diverse backgrounds, which has allowed me to broaden my perspective and understanding of the world. The knowledgeable and dedicated have instilled in me a love for learning and I am grateful for the opportunities they have provided me with.

To give an insight as to why I particularly chose to pursue Computer Science; it has become a rapidly evolving field with limitless opportunities for innovation and progress. I am driven by a passion for developing new and effective ways of recycling waste from technology devices.

As a woman in a male-dominated field, am inspired to break down the stereotypes and show that anyone can succeed in STEM. I believe that my presence in this field will help to inspire other girls and young women to pursue their passions and reach their full potential.

I believe the best way to predict the future is to invent it. There is limitless potential that computer science offers for shaping the future and solving real-world problems. I am confident that I will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in the world. I am elated to be a part of this exciting field and to work towards finding sustainable solutions for electronic waste.

Upon completion of my studies and of course after gaining stability in the field, I
plan to hold a seminar where 1 can share my story and inspire students not to give up on their dreams, even when faced with challenges and setbacks. I believe that my story may be someone else’s survival guide. Many of life’s greatest successes are achieved through perseverance, determination, and resilience.

In addition to sharing my own story, I am particularly passionate about encouraging more girls to enter the field of technology, which has been traditionally dominated by men. Through my seminar and advocacy efforts, I hope to dispel any myths or misconceptions about this exciting and a rapidly growing field and inspire more young women to pursue careers in technology.

Finally, I am committed to promoting access to education and technology for all students, regardless of their background or socio-economic status. By advocating for affordable computer classes and other opportunities for computer literacy, I hope to empower students to develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing and increasingly technological world.

I have also developed interest in the field of Child Protection particularly Caring for Vulnerable Children which I may study later in life. In places where human rights are neglected, children suffer the most. I’d wish to bring to attention this particular group of kids who really need assistance. I also see myself as a
motivational speaker particularly to the young people in the society.

Sometimes we have the will to do something but lack the drive which shouldn’t be the case. These talks should act as a motivation towards achieving something better. A country’s future is dependent on children and therefore their development is essential.

I feel the future has a lot in store for me. There are paths that I am yet to take so as to unleash my full potential. All I can wish for is the Almighty’s favor and grace in all that I do. His time is always the best! I am excited to begin this journey of being a part of your lives. I am thankful for the support you give me.

Sending you lots of love and hugs.
Warmest, Michelle

Turning Passion for Design and Film into Success

Turning Passion for Design and Film into Success

Written by John Mutahi, an alumnus of HHFL

For a while now, I haven’t shared an update of my whereabouts, and I think this is the perfect moment as we close the year.

I am still deeply immersed into my passion for art, design, photography and all manner of creative arts. This year has come with a special milestone in my life, where after trying for quite sometime to make a hack into the animation industry, I finally got my foot in by being featured in a kids project.

Uli and Tata African nursery rhymes is an animation series that follows the extra ordinary adventures of two siblings in search of Africa’s nursery rhymes. Through song and story, they learn important life lessons while celebrating the rich cultural and natural biodiversity we have in Africa. By sharing these videos, we get to share with the world what it looks like to be a child in an African setup in the tropical savanna, as well as helping African children appreciate how lucky and blessed we are to in this side of the world – from the beautiful cities, to the countryside landscapes, all the way to the coastal lands with the sea and sandy beaches.

I have been featured as a compositor, whose work is to put together all the components of the production to make an exciting meaningful piece of an animation video. It is very gratifying to me to finally use my skills to do something I am in love with, something that brings out my values, and in a way give back to my African community.

At Cisty Media, my very own startup, it is a beehive of activity. This is where I do all the work behind the scenes. I celebrate this milestone, and I am thankful for the exposure that HHFL gave me which has enabled me reach where I am. I hope to continue being an inspiration to not just HHFL children, but to many other African children who may feel obstructed by the many challenges we face when growing up. Passion, focus and dedication is the way to go.

Here is a link to one of the videos featured in my animation project:

https://youtu.be/5VatlqYzOgQ

Such wins motivate me to even sharpen my skills and stretch myself beyond my comfort zone. There is so much to be experienced across the world to an open mind that grabs opportunities when they come.

Caring For Future Generations As a Nurse

Caring For Future Generations As a Nurse

Written by Albanus, Nursing Graduate 

I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the generous support, which has made my study program possible. You have opened a door to a wealth of educational and cultural experiences that I could only have dreamed of. 

Your belief in my potential and investment in my future has been incredibly motivating. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and to making you proud of me.

A flashback about my Nursing decision and career — I feel like everyone has their own reasons as to why they wanted to start nursing in the first place. Mine was definitely because when my best friend was really sick when I think I was about 13 or 14 years old. I found it really difficult to just watch him be sick and for me to be able to do absolutely nothing. I wasn’t allowed to go and visit him because he was in ICU and for some reason they wouldn’t let me in.

I think because of my age, there were too many people, and also maybe because of the healthcare system setting in our public hospitals. This just really affected me because although I was quite young at the time I think it stayed with me as I wanted to be able to do something if one of my loved ones ever gets sick again. I think that was the main thing from an early age, why I wanted to do nursing and I think I’ve always been a very outgoing person.

I’ve always loved being around people, always being an outgoing person, so an office job never seemed like something I would do. It’s just not in my nature to be sitting at a desk all day in the same office, in the same space; I love a variety of jobs.

The other thing is being busy – I hate doing nothing. I would rather be on my feet than be sitting in the same spot all day. So I think that’s also what appealed to me about nursing and just how diverse it is. I think people sometimes don’t realize how many opportunities that actually lie within the nursing umbrella.

I didn’t even realize how many jobs there is! I used to think a nurse was just a nurse, but that’s completely wrong. There’s your basic staff nurse on a ward, but then there’s also so many other jobs available as well.

You’re more than likely to start on a ward and build up your experience, then you can apply to other roles such as advanced nurse practitioners, you can work in theaters, you can work in the community, you can work in outpatients – there’s just a crazy amount of opportunities which I really like.

In a job – let’s say a teacher – you’re a teacher and then you may become a principal, and apart from that there’s not much else you can do, so I think with nursing it’s just so diverse. That really, really appeals to me, so that definitely inspired me. Also, helping people, as generic as it sounds.

Coming home from placement, getting home and having all these crazy stories about what you’ve done and who you’ve helped, and seen people go from completely bad to being able to walk again – it’s just incredible!

My Interest after nursing is taking a specialty in theater as an anesthetist since I have been working in theater as a scrub nurse/ runner nurse most of the time and I love it so much. 

I am happy and excited to be a beneficiary of Hanne Howard fund and my promise has always been giving back in all ways possible, this was a chance that occupies the biggest part of my heart and I remain truly grateful.

At the HHFL project now, I am an active player for guiding the young ones in career selection as to their performance and talents. It makes me feel great to be part of the alumni where the staff can entrust me with that huge responsibility. 

Some of the skills entailed during my training were, assessing patient, obtaining vital sign measurements, giving injections, assisting with exams and treatment, understanding medical terminology, tracheostomy care, wound care, catheter care, dialysis, central line dressing and care, antibiotic therapy, gastrostomy (feeding) tube care , explaining treatment, educating about disease, illness or trauma, explaining prescriptions and when to take medicine, alerting patient or caregiver to watch for infection or side-effects, sharing information about infection control, ophthalmology care, Oncology care, outlining pain management measures, the list is long it can go on for days. 

My promise to the community is that I care about the wellbeing of future generations. Their needs are just as important as those of today. 

When I am making a major choice in my own life, when I am facing a significant ethical or moral question, and when I am involved in policy-making or decision making, I take into account the needs of the next two or three generations. 

No short-term or narrow goal should be allowed to jeopardize humanity’s long-term future. My choices support the principle of equal opportunity for each future generation. We should not cause their opportunities and well-being to be less than ours. I promise to abide by The Nurses Oath that I will take during my graduation scheduled at the end of the year. 

Thank you for the continued support. I will drop another email soon keeping you aware of my next step after graduation.

Lots of love, 

Albanus The Nurse