Haytham Isse: Building pillars of hope in Mombasa's education landscape
His roots in Nairobi, nurtured by Somali values and tempered by Mombasa's realities, Haytham Isse saw a world where education wasn't a privilege, but a launchpad. Witnessing children grapple with inadequate learning opportunities ignited a fire within him, leading to the birth of Future Pillars Organization.
By Khadija Abdi
His roots in Nairobi, nurtured by Somali values and tempered by Mombasa's realities, Haytham Isse saw a world where education wasn't a privilege, but a launchpad. Witnessing children grapple with inadequate learning opportunities ignited a fire within him, leading to the birth of Future Pillars Organization.
This wasn't just another NGO. Future Pillars was a revolution in disguise, a community-driven force focused on igniting passion for learning. They started small, their impact rippling first through Allidina Visram High School, where 1,100 students found their dreams reflected in Haytham's unwavering belief.
More To Read
- Tourism stakeholders urge fewer travel barriers, more direct flights to Mombasa to boost arrivals
- Financial autonomy: Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir urges Ruto to empower counties
- EPRA shuts down illegal gas refilling plant in Mombasa's Majengo in multi-agency raid
- Mombasa taps youth groups to lead waste collection in new clean-up drive
- ‘We’re being priced out of education’: TVET students cry foul over sudden fee hikes
- Over 10,000 students in Kamukunji receive bursaries worth Sh71.5 million
The journey wasn't linear. They reached across Mombasa, mentoring 360 students at Moi Forces Academy, 160 Form 3 and 4 minds at Mvita High School, and 210 students at Mbaraki High School, each interaction a brushstroke towards a brighter future.
The Governor's Mentorship Program in August 2023 became a pivotal moment. Future Pillars, led by Haytham's unwavering spirit, stood tall among the chosen, amplifying their voice and impact.
But Haytham wasn't alone. Behind him stood a legion of volunteers, their dedication etched in every mentorship session, workshop, and career guidance program. Funding, the perpetual nemesis, was tamed through tireless networking, collaborations, and the generosity of those who saw the light Future Pillars carried.
Eman Girls and Tudor Day High School became the latest canvases for their mission, Future Pillars now a household name synonymous with hope and change. Haytham understood that academic excellence alone wasn't enough. Life skills workshops bloomed, fostering leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Dreams were nurtured, horizons broadened, and ambitions set ablaze.
Challenges were roadblocks, not walls. Societal mindsets were tackled head-on with awareness campaigns, engaging parents and community leaders, demonstrating the transformative power of education. Haytham remained grounded, visiting schools, listening to aspirations, and offering guidance, a constant reminder that connection breeds success.
Their reach extended beyond high schools, embracing younger minds through after-school programs, instilling a love for learning and building foundational skills early on. Haytham's vision? To create a cycle of empowerment, where beneficiaries became mentors, future pillars supporting the next generation.
Today, Future Pillars stands tall, a testament to Haytham Isse's unwavering belief. It's more than an organization; it's a movement, a revolution whispering that every child, in every corner of Mombasa, deserves a chance to reach their full potential. And with each dream ignited, Haytham's mission becomes clearer: to rewrite the narrative of education, one child, one community, one pillar of hope at a time.
Top Stories Today
