Hello! My name is Esther Nyokabi, and I am a proud Rachel’s Hope Scholarship (RHS) Class of 2025 scholar. I am currently in my first year, third term, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Kabarak University.

Growing up, I always dreamed of pursuing higher education and one day using my skills to care for others. Today, thanks to God’s faithfulness, the Rachel’s Hope Scholarship, and the generosity of many people who believed in me, that dream is becoming a reality.

One of the greatest blessings of my university journey has been joining the President’s Award Club. It has become much more than just a student club, it has become a place where I am learning what it truly means to become a servant leader.

Through the club, I have had the opportunity to develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while exploring areas such as journalism, public speaking, and community service. Every activity reminds me that leadership is not about being above others, but about serving others with humility, integrity, and compassion.

The club has also encouraged me to grow beyond the classroom through activities like hiking, swimming, cycling, skating, chess, and team-building exercises. These experiences have strengthened my confidence, taught me perseverance, and shown me the importance of working together toward a common goal.

As a nursing student, one of the experiences I value most is serving the community. Through the President’s Award Club, I have been privileged to visit children’s homes, participate in volunteer activities, and engage in projects that positively impact people’s lives. Every opportunity reminds me why I chose nursing, to serve others with love and compassion while reflecting Christ through my actions.

One experience that will always remain close to my heart was our recent residential leadership project in Malindi, along Kenya’s beautiful coastline.

Together with Marines for Action, our team participated in a large-scale environmental conservation initiative aimed at restoring Kenya’s fragile coastal ecosystem. During the project, we planted 3,680 mangrove trees and prepared 1,821 mangrove seedlings, helping protect marine life and preserve the environment for future generations.

Before this trip, I had never fully understood the importance of mangrove forests. I learned that they provide shelter for fish and other marine animals, protect coastlines from erosion, improve water quality, and store large amounts of carbon, helping combat climate change. It was inspiring to know that something as simple as planting a tree today could positively impact countless lives for decades to come.

Our service didn’t end there. Working alongside the Kenya Forest Service, we spent a day cleaning the beaches, removing plastic waste and other non-biodegradable materials that threaten marine life and destroy natural habitats. It was a powerful reminder that caring for God’s creation is one way we can faithfully steward the world He has entrusted to us.

While the conservation work was incredibly meaningful, the trip also created memories I will treasure for the rest of my life. I experienced the rich culture of Kenya’s coastal communities, learned about their traditions, enjoyed boat rides across the Indian Ocean, watched breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and even had the opportunity to swim in the ocean for the first time.

Standing on Robinson Island and watching the waves roll onto the shore, I found myself reflecting on how far God has brought me. There was a deep sense of gratitude in my heart as I realized that opportunities like these would never have been possible without His faithfulness and the people He has used to open doors for me.

Beyond the adventure, the residential project challenged me to become a better leader. Every activity required teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and a willingness to put others before myself. I discovered that true leadership is built through service, sacrifice, and encouraging those around you to succeed.

These experiences have transformed the way I see both my education and my future. I am not only growing academically as a nursing student, I am also growing spiritually, emotionally, and as a leader. Every lesson, every challenge, and every opportunity is preparing me to one day serve my community with excellence and compassion.

The Rachel’s Hope Scholarship has given me so much more than a university education. It has given me a family that encourages me, mentors who believe in me, and opportunities that continue to shape my character and strengthen my faith.

I am deeply grateful to every donor, sponsor, and supporter of David’s Hope International. Because of your generosity, students like me are discovering our God-given purpose and being equipped to make a lasting difference in our communities.

My prayer is that one day I will be able to give back in the same way others have invested in me, to care for those in need, mentor young people, and use the gifts God has given me to serve Him faithfully.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23

Thank you for believing in students like me. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity are changing lives in ways you may never fully see, and I am honored to be one of the many stories of hope that you are helping to write.

Esther Nyokabi,

Rachel’s Hope University Scholarship,

Class of 2025