16 years – the prime age when teenagers become indifferent towards education as they want to explore the world. For some, it’s all about trending dance moves, songs and having fun. That is however not the case for Sylvia Dama who is an excellent student with A grades from one of the Elite National schools in Kenya.

Sylvia aspires to be a pilot and is working tooth and nail to make this a reality. She recently attended a camp on Aviation in Nairobi where they interacted with various captains from the Kenya Airways such as Captain Denis who is an Aviation Lawyer. They learnt various flight modules such as flight planning, air laws and many more that she describes as very interesting.

Sylvia’s story in her own words

“I emanate from a humble family of three siblings. We were all raised by a single mum who could not afford to pay her secondary education school fees. Kesho Kenya came through and offered me a scholarship. My family background pushes me to work extra hard so as to change it.”

“I aspire to be a pilot and am working really hard to make this a reality. I recently attended a camp on Aviation in Nairobi. The participants interacted with various captains from Kenya Airways, such as Captain Denis who is an Aviation Lawyer. They learnt various flight modules such as flight planning, air laws and many more – all was very interesting. “

“In school people come from diverse backgrounds. Some are even picked up by Porsche cars. But that doesn’t bother me as I always tell myself, ‘You create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life where you become what you believe.’I believe that our existence is a sign that this world requires change and that our lives continue.”

“During school, I also met other role models personally. For example people from the NGO Akili Dada Kenya; an international award-winning incubator cultivating leadership among African women. And Wandia Gichuru, Founder of Vivo Active Wear. Theyreally inspired me and the other girls to be creative and come up with community give-back initiatives.”


Sylvia Dama 2
My family background pushes me to work extra hard

She really thanks Kesho for the enrichment trainings they offer and supporting youth in Kilifi County as she states that through them, she is now courageous, understands her rights and is knowledgeable about Child Protection.