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The article presents a profile of Sammy Gitau, a Kenyan who managed to overcome many obstacles and complete a two-year degree at the University of Manchester in England. Gitau began supporting his mother and 10 siblings at age 13, after his father's death. In the slums of Kenya's Mathare Valley he turned to petty crime and drugs, as there were few opportunities for legitimate work. After a personal crisis, Gitau began working with local youth to try to improve the slum area where he lived. He learned of the international development program at Manchester and with the help of a European Union official who was impressed with Gitau's efforts he received the preliminary education and support he needed to enter and complete the program, which he intends to put to use back in Kenya.

an: 29979180; source: Chronicle of Higher Education; docTypes: Article; pubTypes: Newspaper;