Daystar Celebrates Launch of the
Schefers Servant Leadership Loan Program
September 10th, 2021
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Sheila and I with scholarship student, Prisca.
One of the highlights when I visit Daystar University is meeting with scholarship students. During our recent trip my wife Sheila and I had the opportunity to talk with many students and hear how their time at Daystar, and the scholarship, has changed their lives.
We also spent quite a bit of time with Jeniffer Kinoti, the Financial Aid Director. She is like a mother to each of these students. She also works with our colleague, Cate Mahokha, a former scholarship student who now handles the details of the scholarships. We also met with the Financial Aid Committee (the group of faculty and staff members who give oversight to the scholarship area). They were discussing many different programs and details, but one of the newest and very exciting programs that has been started is the Schefers Servant Leadership Loan Program.
Sheila with Jeniffer Kinoti (second to left) with her son Timothy and Cate from the Financial Aid office.
Many highly qualified people are stranded in poverty—people who can make a difference, if given the opportunity. Many students have no access to loans or scholarships and must either sacrifice at great cost to obtain this education or forego the dream altogether. Government grants, loans are not readily available in Kenya. At Daystar University the scholarship program is able to assist around 5% of the student body, so many students are left trying to find other means to pay their fees.
Elmer (El) and Barb Shefers came up with the idea of small loans that would be paid back to Daystar, helping to build a revolving fund to help students. This would also stretch the scholarship funds if students were able to take small loans. This also adds more student ownership.
The Schefers visiting with Daystar students. They have supported over 40 Daystar scholarship students over many years.
El knows personally the difference a small student loan can make in a life, as he received a student loan which enabled him to complete his university business degree. With this degree, El spent over 40 years working long hours in a successful insurance business while Barb was a full-time care giver to their four children.
El and Barb Schefers hosted Daystar President Laban Ayiro in April 2019
They now want to give this same opportunity to Daystar University students. The Schefers gave a generous donations totaling $250,000 to begin the loan program. This program provides an opportunity for U.S. donors to support African university students who would not be able to attend without a small loan. Now retired, the Shefers started the loan program with hopes that it would grow over time to be their legacy of trying to do good now and for many years to come.
The loan program was begun with the conditions that the funds will only be available for student loans when matched per dollar with the hope of reaching an initial $500,000 for needy students. Also the interest from the loans will go back into the fund to support more students over time. The interest rates for the loans will be well below the normal rate for consumer loans in Kenya but not so low as to discourage paying back the loan as soon as possible. The maximum amount to be awarded to the students will be a $900 per semester. The requirements for qualification for the loan program will be Daystar students who:
Are close to completing their program.
Exhibit a strong Christian character and involvement in ministry
Have a demonstrated financial need.
Possess above average academic achievement (CUM GPA of at least 3.0 for postgraduate students and 2.50 for undergraduate students).
Demonstrate mature behavior in all areas of university life.
So far $22,400 has been given towards the match, which leaves $227,600 of this opportunity remaining. Please consider investing into the future of Africa by supporting the Shefers Servant Leadership Loan Program . Your matching gift is doubled, thereby doubling your impact. To quote a friend, “You are not simply meeting a need, but providing a solution.” Through supporting Daystar students you are empowering graduates to bring a future and hope to Africa.
I am so thankful for El and Barb Schefers and their investment in the lives of so many Daystar students! Recently there was a launch of the loan program at Daystar, please watch the video below of President Laban sharing his own inspiration and his appreciation for the Schefers.
I apologize for such a lengthy email, but I thought it was important to share. Thank you for all of your prayers and support!
Blessings,
Alan
Daystar U.S., Executive Director