Pursue Education for Success, Kenyans Implored
by Peter Gaitho, Ajabu News Editor

QUINCY, Mass_ JULY 12- “Rosa Parks sat, so  Martin Luther King Jnr. could walk. Martin walked, so  Barack Obama could run. Barack ran, so we can all fly.” These were the inspiring opening words of Mr. Chris Kibathi, the Chief Executive Recruiter with Federal Reserve Bank, Boston when speaking to the congregation of All Saints Community Church, Quincy, Mass on Sunday July 5th.

The day was set aside by the church as the first “Education Day” to celebrate those Kenyans who have worked so hard and have graduated in various schools, colleges, and universities in the United States of America.

Chris reminded those in attendance that so many people had made great sacrifice and some lost their lives as they fought for the rights of the black people in America. “You should take the advantage you have now to achieve all you can,” he said

Mr. Kibathi, an avid  communicator who drove his points home with sharp, clear, and concise masterly of language, implored Kenyans who he termed extremely lucky to find themselves in the USA, the capital of the best education in the world, to pursue education by all means possible.

“Do not let the joys and pleasures in the USA derail your goals,” said Chris. “The fundamental background for success in life is a good education.”

Kenyan graduates walk in a procession at the parking lot of the All Saints Anglican Church in Quincy , Mass. during an "Education Day" service. pic courtesy of Charles Wanjue

Giving himself as an example, Mr. Kibathi said that when he came to America 20 years ago, as a young man he was tempted by the dollar and the pleasures that come with it. “I wasted four years niundu wa kwenda mathaa (due to the need to clock in as many hours as possible),” Said Kibathi eliciting  laughter from the congregation.

This made him very bitter especially when he remembered his mother’s words when he left Kenya reminding him the purpose of his coming to America. He therefore made a vow to himself and today, he is soaring on wings like an eagle.

He advised Kenyans who are in school to work hard and smart. “Do not take a course because everyone is taking it, we cannot all be nurses,” said Chris. “Pursue your dreams and purpose in life,” he continued.

He also reminded those already working to pursue professional certificates and beef their resumes. He also gave a few tips to ensure success in job interviews, “learn the proper communication skills, dress well, keep time, have confidence. There is a crazy competition out there.”

Speaking at the same event, Mr. Charles Wanjue, a recent MBA graduate, reminded those in attendance that back home, Kenyans were also chasing degrees day and night. “Do not be surprised when you go home and find your classmates are university professors,” he said. “The parallel degree programs have opened doors to very many Kenyans”

He too praised those being celebrated that day including the church Rector, Rev. Fredrick Thanji, who was also adorned in the admirable Harvard University gown and has two masters degree to his credit. “Our pastor has set a very good example to all of us that education is worthy  of pursuit,” said Mr. Wanjue.

“It calls for dedication, discipline, and drive to graduate with honors,” said Charles. “Therefore remember that seeking knowledge is Godly.”

“Even Biblical icons like Moses, Solomon, David, Paul, Luke and others were highly learned,” he said. “You therefore have no option but to seek knowledge and run from ignorance.”  

Over 30 members of the congregation were recognized and celebrated that day and awarded tokens of appreciation by the church. They included kindergarten graduates through PHD holders, from young to old, ladies and gentlemen in various  disciplines of study ranging from Nursing to Teaching, Theology to Business Management and Accounting. It was surely a rainbow  of great minds.

The chief organizer of the event, our very own Dr. Benjamin Kinyanjui, an  Assistant Professor at Suffolk University, Sawyer Business School also reminded those in attendance that education opens doors previously unimaginable. “It is for this purpose that we wish to hold this event annually  to recognize those among us who have completed a cycle of education,” he said.

To paraphrase Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of Britain, “Ask me three main priorities of life, and I tell you: education, education, and education."

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