Every September, U of T welcomes students from all over the world. Joining this year’s globe spanning cohort are two Kenyan students: Huriet Jepleting and Faith Awino.
Both are studying at St. Michael’s College thanks to the generous support of the Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation.
“The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation believes in creating opportunities for people that will empower them to lead fulfilling lives and make positive contributions to society,” says Amy Buskirk, executive director of the foundation.
“We are honoured to support these bright and spirited young women in their educational journeys at the University of Toronto. We hope this will be a life-changing opportunity that will allow them to discover what they are capable of and how they can give back to their communities through their newfound skills and knowledge.”
Jepleting and Awino joined U of T through the Hilary Weston KenSAP Awards program. Founded in 2004, KenSAP helps high-achieving, low-income Kenyan high school graduates gain admission to the most selective colleges and universities across North America. Its 15-week residential training program helps students prepare and submit strong university applications.
Studying at U of T means the world to me. It is an opportunity to access education at a world-class university, which I don't take for granted. Knowing I was considered worthy to receive the award is something I am grateful for, and it encourages me to work hard and use every opportunity availed to me.
“The Hilary Weston KenSAP Award has given me the necessary financial support to study at a prestigious university, exposing me to a wide range of opportunities,” says Awino, who is considering a major in computer science, mathematics or statistical sciences. “Studying at U of T means having access to world-class resources that will be significant in my experiential learning and overall success.”
For many students, attending a prestigious institution like the University of Toronto is a dream come true, and for Jepleting — who plans to major in economics and international relations — the experience has been nothing short of transformative.
“Studying at U of T means the world to me. It is an opportunity to access education at a world-class university, which I don't take for granted. Knowing I was considered worthy to receive the award is something I am grateful for, and it encourages me to work hard and use every opportunity availed to me.”
Generous support like this helps create pathways for individuals facing barriers to attending university, expand financial aid, build inclusive spaces and engage the university’s international network of multidisciplinary scholars in world-leading research and teaching on race, gender, disability and equitable city-building to drive social change.
Generous support like this from the Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation is crucial to attracting the brightest minds from around the world and supporting them as they pursue their education at the University of Toronto. I look forward to seeing their incredible accomplishments, both at U of T and beyond.
“My time at U of T is pushing me to grow and adjust. The people I have interacted with have broadened my perspective and inspired me to strive to excel,” says Awino.
Added Jepleting, “With this scholarship I am able to study without having to worry about the cost of education.”
This support aligns closely with U of T’s goal to build inclusive cities and societies as part of the university’s Defy Gravity campaign. Toronto is one of the world’s most diverse cities, providing a rare opportunity to develop and share best practices to promote equity, diversity and inclusivity around the world.
“I am thrilled to welcome Faith and Huriet into the Arts & Science community. Our faculty is made richer by having these brilliant students studying here,” says Antoinette Handley, acting dean of Arts & Science and professor in the Department of Political Science.
“Generous support like this from the Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation is crucial to attracting the brightest minds from around the world and supporting them as they pursue their education at the University of Toronto. I look forward to seeing their incredible accomplishments, both at U of T and beyond.”