Send John Otieno to Elmhurst University

John Otieno is a Kenyan high school graduate. His teachers knew he would thrive in a university, and now he is proving them right. John is a Freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Elmhurst University in Illinois. This opportunity will have a lasting impact on John, his family, and his community. 

As the sponsors of this campaign, we (Josh and Julia Kuipers) are deeply invested in John and his family. To understand our connection to John, we rewind 16 years, when Josh was 19 years old and about to board his first flight.

Josh left his home in western Canada to work with a mission organization in Kenya. During his year there, Josh met an inspiring mentor and life-long friend, Sheth Otieno. Sheth was a pastor and community leader in Kibera, Kenya, the largest slum in sub-Saharan Africa. Living in Kibera and learning from Sheth ignited Josh’s sense of calling and profoundly changed the trajectory of his life. Josh also developed relationships with the Otieno family, including 3-year-old John.

Fast forward 16 years of life and friendship with the Otieno family. Now John is a 19-year-old and changing the trajectory of his life.

While this opportunity is exciting, college is expensive, and student loans are not an option for a child who lives in one of the poorest parts of the world. Your donation will allow John to earn a nursing degree and return to his community at a time when there is a desperate need for good health care.

 

How much will John's education cost?

Attending Elmhurst University and living in the United States will cost about $60,000 each year.

John received $28,000 in renewable scholarships. Most notably, John was awarded half-tuition from the International Chairman's Award. He will also save $7,000 per year by living with the Kuipers, riding the Metra, and packing his food. In total, it will cost $25,000 each year.

 

Why Elmhurst University?

Elmhurst University is a great fit for John on many levels. Elmhurst nursing graduates are awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and have a high passing rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which enables them to apply for a license as a Registered Nurse (RN). 

 

Small class sizes and an active international student community make for a rich learning environment. The Director of International Student Admissions and Student Services is invested in John's success both academically and socially. With other African students on campus, John will have an opportunity to broaden his friend group while still finding a familiar community in a new place.

 

An unmatched feature of Elmhurst University is its affiliations with the United Church of Christ (UCC), the Christian denomination in which Josh serves as an ordained minister. Elmhurst strikes a unique balance of academic rigor while elevating spiritual and moral grounding that is reflective of the UCC denomination.

What role will the Kuipers Family play in John's education?

Along with our three children, John is part of our family. John lives with us and takes the Metra to Elmhurst University where he attends class and works an on-campus job. We are open to helping John settle on campus if that becomes the best option for his success and financially viable. Beyond familial support, we are John's financial sponsors. We will continue to help John secure additional support through outside scholarships and this GoFundMe campaign.

How can you get involved?

Please make a donation today and help us get the word out. Tell John's story. Share this GoFundMe campaign. Think about people in your life who might like to support John's journey- nurses, Elmhurst Alumni, friends who have traveled to Eastern Africa, UCC leaders. As the African proverb goes, "It takes a village..." If you would like to be part of John's village, follow his journey, and learn about more tangible ways to help him over the next 4 years, click HERE to receive his newsletter. 

Message from John

Elmhurst University has been great! It’s starting to feel normal now, and I am concentrating more on my classes. The classes are good, and I am enjoying them so far. I have made a couple more friends, and we hang out between classes. I am also a part of the Black Student Union.

I now have a job on campus as a student painter, which is making my days full. I usually have classes in the morning, and then I work in the afternoons Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, I have a chemistry lab in the afternoons. Although I'm tired by the end of the day, I am thankful that I have the opportunity to earn money that goes into my tuition payments.

I love staying at the Kuipers' house. I am thankful for Josh and Julia providing for me all that I need and giving me rides, especially now that it is cold, and I can’t ride my bike. I love how they are huge Bills fans, and now I cheer for the Bills too. I am thankful for Caroline, Anna, and Luke because they like hanging out with me. I get my workout as I play with Anna and Luke. They like being thrown up and down and jumping on my bed. I also like hanging out with Caroline because we are the only "big kids" in the house. The Kuipers are very supportive, and I’m thankful for them. I couldn't ask for any other family.

Thank you for your continued support. I really appreciate it.