Narioyo Fredrick Torinke is 22 years old and part of the Maasai tribe in Southern Kenya. For as long as he can remember, he has dreamt of becoming a doctor in order to help his rural community in Narok County, where access to basic healthcare is scarce. Few medical professionals choose to practice in these areas rather than in larger cities, but Freddie dreams of providing the care his community needs.

Ben – who I’m co-leading this fundraiser with – and I met Freddie while working on a farm in Maji Moto with him and other members of the Maasai community. Fred was employed there as a jack-of-all-trades to help with anything that was needed (security night shifts, planting, harvesting and watering, etc). From day one, we were blown away by Freddie’s kindness, resilience, and concern for others. Freddie, despite his limited means, gives selflessly and generously to others. These qualities, along with his determination and work ethic, have allowed him to maintain his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor despite the multiple obstacles he has had to overcome. Before Ben and I left the farm, Freddie was accepted to the county’s Maasai Mara University, where he has the once-in-a-lifetime possibility of pursuing a graduate degree in nursing starting in August 2023. Unfortunately, the costs of attending are prohibitively high. It is essentially impossible for someone earning minimum wage, as Freddie is, to afford the program.

Freddie’s family is unable to financially support him; in fact, he has been helping support them during his time at the farm. Being able to enroll and complete this program would be nothing short of life-changing for Freddie, his family, and his broader community. It’s with this in mind that we ask for any contribution, no matter how small. If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser. If the target is not reached, the funds will go towards paying for his second choice, a less costly degree in Education Sciences. A small portion of the funds will also go towards assisting Freddie with basic daily expenses over the course of his studies, such as food and books.

The breakdown of costs for the Maasai Mara University Medical Program starting in August 2023 are as follows (including university accommodation, examination fees, and nursing equipment):

1st Year: $1,910 USD (234,100 Khs)

2nd Year: $1,310 USD (160,700 Khs)

3rd Year: $1,410 USD (173,200 Khs)

4th Year: $1,910 USD (234,201 Khs)

Educational Total: $6,533 USD (802,201 Khs)

We’re estimating an additional $60 USD (~7,370 Khs) per semester to help offset the costs of food and books. Throughout the 4-year program, this adds up to $720.

The exchange rate used for these conversions is 122.80 Kenyan Shillings per US Dollar, as of November 27th, 2022.

Fundraising Total: $6,533 USD + $720 USD = $7,253

For a more detailed breakdown of the costs, refer to the following image:

We are so thankful for any support you are able to give Freddie in pursuing the lifelong dream he is so close to achieving.

Ben, Lucas, and Freddie