Amani and Allan Kindarara, GED students in adult education

CWI: The students

From high school dual-credit students to single parents searching for a new career, the College of Western Idaho serves 30,000 students from diverse backgrounds. Some look to save on tuition, while others pursue vocational training or come to learn English and build community. Here are the stories of six students who utilized the different opportunities offered by CWI.

Alex Todd — transfer student in engineering
Amani Kindarara and Allan Kindarara — GED students in adult education
Audrie Reyes — female welding student
Jory Skidmore — 35-year-old welding student
Nichelle Boyce — single parent in surgical technology

Amani Kindarara and Allan Kindarara

Ages: Amani, 25; Allan, 28
Fields of study: GED Adult Education, Associate of Arts Degree, Business, Associate of Science Degree, Computer Science
Reason for choosing CWI: Adult education opportunities, affordability
Hobby: Playing volleyball, swimming

Brothers Amani Kindarara and Nandweza “Allan” Kindarara were born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They left their home country as kids and moved to a refugee camp in Uganda.

Education in the camp wasn’t consistent, but they were able to become fluent in English.

Allan Kindarara, left, as a child in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Amani Kindarara, right, as children in Uganda.

In the fall of 2023, the brothers’ family of five made the journey to Boise, their first steps in America.

Their uncle, who has lived in California for over 30 years, helped them get connected to the free adult education classes at the College of Western Idaho.

The brothers pursued the GED preparation classes and were able to finish all of their exams (math, science, English and social studies) in just three months, even though it took them up to two hours of travel time and three different buses to get to the Canyon County center from Boise.

“It was quite overwhelming,” Amani said.

They relied on the help of a CWI counselor and teachers.

Amani Kindarara playing soccer in Uganda. He says “life is too short to play small.”

“I never imagined myself completing a GED,” Amani said. “It seemed like a very big dream. But now I look at it and I’m glad I did it. It’s so rewarding.”

Allan, left, and Amani Kindarara pose for a photo at a graduation celebration at CWI in Nampa.

The brothers are continuing their education with CWI – this time as students in the associate’s program. Allan is planning on studying computer science, and Amani hopes to focus on business. They both hope to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

“It’s all about knowing yourself, what you want for your future, what you want for your life,” Allan said. “A journey of 1,000 miles starts with one step. So start small … and you’ll find yourself moving along.”