From Adversity To Opportunity: Michael Lugalia’s Journey To Success With NCBA’s Support
From Adversity To Opportunity: Michael Lugalia’s Journey To Success With NCBA’s Support
As NCBA Bank disbursed part of its Ksh 100 million annual commitment under the “Change The Story” initiative, one young man’s inspiring journey stood out—Michael Lugalia.
Growing up in a single-parent household comes with its share of hardships, especially when financial constraints threaten the right to education. This was the reality for Michael, a determined young man from Kawangware, an informal settlement where daily struggles are the norm.
Reflecting on his early years, Michael recalls, “Between the ages of zero to six, I was raised by both parents. But when I was transitioning to primary school, they separated, and my mother took on the responsibility of raising my brother and me.”
From Adversity To Opportunity: Michael Lugalia’s Journey To Success With NCBA’s Support
The separation brought significant challenges. “My mother lost her job, and for a while, life was a nightmare. Financial difficulties became our everyday reality,” he shares.
Despite the odds, Michael credits his mother for her unwavering resilience. “Mum is a lioness. Even after losing her job, she remained determined that our education would not be disrupted.”
His hard work paid off when he scored 374/500 marks in his primary exams, earning him a place at Dagoretti High School. There, he remained focused on making his mother proud. Though he faced discrimination from senior students, he refused to let negativity define him, instead using it as a stepping stone for personal growth.
Michael’s dedication saw him rise to the role of Deputy School Captain, an experience that sharpened his leadership skills. “I was passionate about academics, but I also got the chance to explore leadership. I participated in games like chess and a bit of basketball—activities that played a big role in my personal development.”
His academic excellence paid off when he scored an A- (77 points) in his final exams, catching the attention of KenSAP, an organization that, with financial support from NCBA, will now sponsor his education at Middlebury College in the US.
Excited about the future, Michael shares his vision: “When I go to the US and, hopefully, study computer science, economics, or something in STEM, I want to gain enough experience to come back and create opportunities for students to explore education.”
From Adversity To Opportunity: Michael Lugalia’s Journey To Success With NCBA’s Support
NCBA Managing Director, John Gachora, emphasizes the bank’s belief in education as a powerful equalizer. “We believe in the power of education to shape the future. Beyond scholarships, we aim to strengthen our mentorship programs to nurture well-rounded individuals who will become confident leaders in their communities and pay their knowledge forward.”
Through its commitment to education, mentorship, and empowerment, NCBA continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s next generation of leaders and innovators.
