At Sanifu College, we don’t just teach languages- we shape futures. And there’s no better proof of that than the inspiring story of Brian , our latest scholarship winner for the German Language Program. His journey is one of resilience, curiosity, and the courage to dream beyond borders.
From the buzzing Nairobi streets to Sanifu College
Brian grew up in the lively neighborhood of Nairobi, where life was full of energy, culture, and everyday lessons. Like many youths around him, his early years came with their fair share of challenges and discoveries. Though he didn’t come from a particularly well-off family, his upbringing was rich in values, support, and what he likes to call ad-hoc integrity. His parents, both dedicated working citizens, always reminded him, “Education opens doors that money can’t even knock on.” He took that to heart.
Unlike most of his peers, Brian was always eager to push beyond the expected. He’s never shied away from a challenge, especially in education. That spirit is what drew him to languages, particularly German. “There was something about how complex and structured it sounded,” he recalls. “It felt like cracking a code every time I tried to understand it.” He didn’t understand the words at first, but the rhythm, challenge, and depth of the language spoke to him. Learning German wasn’t just about words, it was about growing his thinking. That’s what sparked his dream, not just of visiting Germany, but of mastering a language that demanded effort, focus, and the will to grow.
A Chance Worth Fighting For
When Sanifu College announced its partial scholarship opportunity for the German Language Program, Brian was one of over 30 applicants. The requirements were tough: a written motivation letter, an in-person interview, and a short oral test to see if applicants could grasp basic pronunciation. Brian had no formal background in German, but what he lacked in skill, he made up for in passion.
“I practiced day and night using YouTube videos and language apps. I didn’t sleep much that week,” he laughs. “But when you want something bad enough, you make the time.”
His effort paid off. The panel was deeply impressed by his determination, natural pronunciation, and clear vision for the future. Out of hundreds, Brian was selected.
Why German?
When asked why he chose to study German, Brian answers without hesitation: “It’s the language of engineering, innovation, and opportunity. Germany has opened its doors to foreign workers, and I want to walk through that door, not just for me, but for my family.”
Brian hopes to eventually pursue a career in mechanical engineering or IT in Germany. “I want to be part of building things. Whether it’s designing systems or solving technical problems, I want to be involved, and speaking German is my ticket in.”
Life at Sanifu College
Brian has become a familiar face around Sanifu. Whether he’s jotting down new vocabulary in the library, helping classmates review grammar points, or chatting with lecturers after class, he’s all in.
“Sanifu is more than a school- it’s a community,” he says. “My classmates are like a second family. We all come from different backgrounds, but we support each other, especially when the grammar gets tricky!” He especially enjoys the interactive classes, where students are encouraged to role-play real-life German scenarios like ordering food, navigating train stations, or having job interviews.
His favorite German word so far? “Zukunft” – which means “future.” Very fitting for someone like Brian.
What’s Next for Brian?
Brian is currently in the B1 level of German and showing tremendous progress. He has his eyes set on B2 certification and dreams of applying for a student visa to Germany within the next year or two.
But his impact isn’t limited to himself. Brian has become a mentor to other students at Sanifu, often guiding beginners with pronunciation or sharing tips on how to stay motivated.
“I always tell them, if I can do it, so can you. You just have to want it badly enough.”
Final Words from Brian
To future students, Brian offers this advice:
“Don’t wait for perfect conditions. They might never come. Start where you are, use what you have, and believe that you’re worthy of the dream. Learning German is not just about language, it’s about changing your life.”
We’re proud to have Brian as part of our Sanifu family.His story reminds us that language learning isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary, it’s about courage, growth, and chasing something bigger than yourself.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow Brian’s journey. Who knows? The next scholarship success story might be yours.
