ASEC News

Perspectives- 2024 SLDI Partner Workshop in Tanzania

African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC)

ASEC Executive Director Sr.Draru Mary Cecilia, LSMIG and Joyce, a 12-year-old Maasai girl, walk together on the coast of Tanzania along the Indian Ocean.

At just 12 years old a Maasai girl captivated participants at the 2024 SLDI Partner Workshop and represented the impact delivered by ASEC sisters

Dreams can face hard cultural and logistical barriers in a semi-nomadic pastoral community like the Maasai. Her own foresight, a drive to be educated, and permission from her parents has led Joyce, a 12-year-old Maasai girl, to be connected to SLDI Sisters, mainly Sr. Cresensia Romani Tarimo. Sr. Cresensia has taken Joyce under her wing, guiding her to education. Joyce now has never scored under a 99% on her schoolwork.

“If I had a school in the clouds, I would throw her there,” said ASEC Executive Director Sr. Draru Mary Cecilia, LSMIG, Ph.D., speaking of ASEC beneficiary Joyce, a 12-year-old who shared her testimony during the 2024 SLDI Partner Workshop in Tanzania. Sr. Draru emphasized, "She is worthy of more than the earth can offer her.”

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A bit cautiously, Joyce, 12 is guided by ASEC Executive Director Sr.Draru Mary Cecilia, LSMIG while seeing the ocean for the first time while at the 2024 SLDI Partner Workshop in Tanzania.

A bit cautiously, Joyce, 12 is guided by ASEC Executive Director Sr.Draru Mary Cecilia, LSMIG while seeing the ocean for the first time while at the 2024 SLDI Partner Workshop in Tanzania.

Joyce has become the year's hero in Sr. Draru Mary Cecilia's eyes by becoming an example of the positive ripple effect of ASEC programs. Joyce, a featured speaker during the SLDI Workshop, eloquently explained how she became a translator to help bypass middlemen, helping her community receive their fair share of profits created by the Maasai artisans. Joyce’s journey from acknowledging her desire for education to becoming a community leader at the age of 12 showcases the transformative impact an ASEC-educated alumna can have on an entire community. 

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This article is addressing the following UN Sustainable Development Goal(s):

Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Sr. Cresensia Romani Tarimo
Profiled in article - Kenya  

Jake Danna Stevens
Author
Media & Communications Manager, Mission Advancement  

Megan P. Wescott, BBA

Megan P. Wescott, BBA
Editor
Digital & Social Media Specialist, Mission Advancement  

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