Stephen Napoli Otawa - September 2025 University Update
- Genevieve Onuchukwu
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
In 2021, many of you first came to know the story of a determined 14-year-old boy named Stephen Napoli Otawa. With no money, no shoes, and no one to advocate for him, Stephen walked 14 kilometres from his orphanage to Teremi Boys High School, asking for a chance to enrol and continue his education. His courage and determination touched countless hearts.
You can revisit his story here:
With your support, Gennarosity Abroad sponsored Stephen and his older brother Francis to complete their secondary education at Teremi Boys Boarding High School. In 2024, both brothers proudly graduated. An achievement that once seemed far beyond their reach.
Now, we are thrilled to share that Stephen has been accepted into Kaimosi Friends University near Kisumu to study a Bachelor of Education (Arts). This marks a new chapter in his journey, that was only possible because of the unwavering kindness of our community.
Why This is an Exception
At Gennarosity Abroad, our philosophy has always been about uplifting communities rather than focusing on individuals. We strive to maximise the impact of every donation, reaching as many people as possible. For Stephen, however, we have made a rare exception.
His story is one of remarkable resilience. Stephen’s life has been marked by profound loss. His mother passed away when he was young, followed by the grandmother who raised him. In 2024, tragedy struck again when his father, who had long struggled with severe mental illness, was murdered while living on the streets. Despite these hardships, Stephen never gave up on his dream of an education and a better life for himself and his siblings.
We recognised that helping him take this next step is not just about one young man, it is about breaking the cycle of poverty for his family and, in time, for his community. By supporting Stephen now, we are enabling him to one day “pay it forward” by helping his two younger brothers Emanuel and Paul and inspiring countless others.
Meeting Basic Needs First
One of the realities we often overlook is how much stability we need in order to thrive academically. Most of us take simple things for granted: a safe place to sleep, clothes to wear, food to eat, a desk to study at. Stephen owned none of these basic items.
Before he could even begin his studies, his essential needs had to be met. Thanks to the generosity of four private donors, Stephen now has:
University fees covered for his first year
Accommodation for one year
A laptop and laptop bag
Food for a year
Clothes and shoes
Transport fees
Textbooks and stationery (pens, markers, chair, desk, etc.)
Bedding (bed, blanket, sheets, mattress, pillow and pillowcase)
A gas cylinder and gas
Household utensils (pots, cup, plate, knife, cooking stick, spoon, bowl)
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With these provisions, Stephen is starting university not just with hope, but with the foundation needed to succeed.
A Sincere Thank You
To the four private donors who made this possible, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your generosity has transformed Stephen’s future. You have given him dignity, stability, and the chance to build a life of purpose through education.
If anyone else would like to support Stephen’s future university costs, or help his brother Francis who has just been accepted into university to complete a Diploma in Occupational Therapry, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can help this family rewrite their story, transforming hardship into opportunity, and despair into hope.
At Gennarosity Abroad, we believe in giving a hand up, not a handout. Stephen’s journey is a testament to that belief, and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when compassion meets determination.