In the southeastern stretch of Kenya, where the sun burns with the intensity of a melting pot, you will find the Maasai tribe wearing vibrant shukas, painting Kajiado in their rich colors. Here, where acacia trees stand in the footprints of ancestors, lies an inspiring story of a young girl named Beatrice Saibulu. Her story, marked by resilience, shows the power of education and the enduring spirit of a community in transition.
Beatrice, who wears humility like a well-woven shuka, is an embodiment of hard work and desire that characterizes the youth supported by the Tenda Wema Initiative. Initially, her voice was but a whisper, her eyes downcast, like a baobab tree, standing tall yet bowing low. But as time passed, Beatrice found her voice. Her smile, once hidden, now shines brightly. Today, with the support of the initiative, she engages confidently with the world around her.
Beatrice’s educational journey took a turning point when the Tenda Wema team, during a visit to Namanga, saw her potential. At the time Beatrice had just completed her primary education, and this is when her circumstances captivated Dr. Sara Ruto, one of the founders. Moved by Beatrice’s potential and plight, Dr. Ruto took it upon herself to champion the young girl’s academic journey, setting in motion a collaboration that would grow into a symbol of hope for a girl whose dreams would have been swallowed by morning light.
Her story takes a compelling turn when Beatrice’s father—a bold Maasai elder, accompanied her to the Tenda Wema mentorship forum in Nairobi. Despite not speaking or understanding English or Kiswahili, he was determined to support his daughter’s dreams, despite the community’s culture of looking down on girls’ education. He brought along an uncle to act as both an interpreter and a guide to help navigate the urban labyrinth of Nairobi. This act of love and dedication, which is exceedingly rare among the Maasai community, shows that no mountain is too tall for a parent to climb for their child’s future.
At Sajiloni Girls Secondary School, Beatrice Saibulu’s presence resonates with hope, aspiration, and a constant shining beacon of hope. As a Form Four student, she stands on the platform of a major milestone, not just for herself but for her community—a community where the pursuit of education, especially for girls, is faced with challenges. Beatrice’s hunger for knowledge and her desire to break the glass ceiling and soar above the clouds is a mirror to the changing face of her community.
As Beatrice nears the end of her secondary education, this milestone signifies a major step for her community, which has long valued tradition against formal education. Her father, now a champion of education, watches proudly. When he sits outside his home to gaze at the stars, he dreams of his daughter excelling academically and becoming agents of change in their community and family.
Beatrice Saibulu’s story shows the transformative power of education. It resonates with the hope of a father, the steadfast support of an initiative, and a young girl’s courage to dream. As she forges ahead, her steps echo with the promise of a future where education is the cornerstone of community evolution and empowerment. Her story is not just a personal triumph but a guiding light for others in her community.
Since the beginning of 2021, Zizi Afrique Foundation officially launched the implementation of the Tenda Wema Initiative. The initiative which is not directly funded by external donors but raises the money through the staff member’s contributions and well-wishers. Through this intervention, 108 children are currently in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. In commemorating Dr. Sara Ruto’s contribution to both Zizi Afrique and The Peoples Action for Learning (PAL) Network, the Sara cup annual tournament was born in 2021. This year, the charity event will be held on 28th September 2024, bringing together friends and well-wishers where a range of games for adults and children will be held.
We believe that small actions by everyone can be a big contributor to supporting SDG4 of having quality education for minority and vulnerable children. The Tenda Wema Initiative which is ‘a call to give’ encourages both individuals and corporates to support at least one child to attain their dream. Apart from supporting them on one level, we encourage them to ensure that the children identified are supported through the whole cycle which is primary, secondary, and tertiary education
