My Name is Mery Tajeou Lukumay, I was born and raised in a Maasai pastoralist community, where girls often face significant barriers to education. In many families, girls are expected to marry at a young age, and their dreams of education are frequently cut short. Growing up in such an environment, I experienced these challenges firsthand.

I began my education at Sakala Primary School, where I completed my primary education and successfully passed my examinations to join secondary school. However, when it was time for me to continue with my studies, my life took a difficult turn. My father planned for me to get married at a young age, a common practice in many pastoralist communities. At that moment, it felt as though my dreams of education and a better future were about to end.

But my story changed because of the courage and determination of my mother. She believed in my potential and refused to give up on my future. In search of help, she approached the Pastoral Women Council (PWC), an organization that supports girls from pastoralist communities. They intervened, rescued me from early marriage, and gave me the opportunity to continue my education. With their support, I was able to stay in school, work hard, and eventually complete my studies. Today, I am proud to say that I fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming a pharmacist. For a girl from a pastoralist community where education for girls is often limited, this achievement means everything.

My journey inspired me to establish this community organization because I know there are many girls in pastoralist communities whose dreams are interrupted by early marriage, poverty, and lack of opportunities. I believe every girl deserves the chance to learn, grow, and pursue her dreams, just as I was given the chance to do.