Bismillahi Rahman Rahiym. My name is AMMAR NDORO NYAWA. I was born on the 5th June 1979 in Chengoni location, Kwale district, Coast province, Kenya.

Being the first male child in my family, I immediately assumed the responsibilities of a first born as is expected by the African traditions. My family comprises of 3 boys and 3 girls together with our two parents.

I started schooling in 1988 at Chengoni Primary School which is over six kilometers from my home. However, the turning point of my life was in the year 1992 when my mother started attending prayers at the then new Shia Ithna Asheri Mosque at Chengoni Centre managed by Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya.

When she narrated to me about the new mosque, I immediately joined Islamic lessons in the Madrassah alongside the Secular Education. Soon my attendance and performance in the Madrassah was appreciated by the Muallims.

 In 1995 I sat for my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations and did well. However, this time I was faced by the greatest challenge of my life: I could not join any secondary school from the obvious reason that my parents could barely afford the school fees. But the mercy of Allah (SWT) was on me and therefore Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya came to my rescue by getting me sponsorship from the Zainabbiya Child Sponsorship Scheme (ZCSS). Alhamdullillah, in 1996 I joined form one at Al- Rasul Al- Akram Academy, Nairobi.

It was in 1999 when I sat for my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations passing in flying colors. My special thanks to ZCSS for making this possible. Again I could not join any institution of higher learning despite my increased thirst for knowledge. Fees were once again a stumbling block! So, I opted doing casual jobs with the intention of advancing my level of education some day but all was in vain.

In the year 2005, I was enrolled in the Institute of Advanced Technology – IAT, Mombasa Campus taking Information and Communication Technology – ICT courses through Bilal Muslim Mission’s sponsorship.

The following year (2006), I got admission in the Mombasa Polytechnic University College taking a Diploma in Mass Communication, electronic media option through BLESS Scheme under Africa Federation.  And from then on, I took both the courses: ICT and Mass Communication, in parallel.

I do admit that it is quite a job to pursue both the courses at the same time but because of the thirst of knowledge I have, I find it manageable. Besides, my performance in both the courses is admirable. I have a vision which inshaallah, I would want to realize it, and that is, to be a PhD holder in the electronic media, so that with ample technology I can assist in spreading the Shia faith to reach many a souls. Our obligation in this world is to propagate the message of “La illaha illa llah, Muhammad rasulu llah, Aliyun waliyu llah.”

It is on 13th June 2008 when I successfully accomplished my diploma course in Mass Communication at the Mombasa Polytechnic University College.

Indeed I am inspired by one of the many traditions by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) which says: “Seeking of knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim man and woman.”

Great thanks to Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya, ZCSS and BLESS who have and still are in one way or the other contributing in my endeavors to seek education. May Allah (SWT) bless them abundantly.

May peace be upon Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W) and his progeny - Ahlul Bayt (a.s).

 Alhamdullillah.’