Jesuit Entity Recounts Impact of Addressing Gender Inequality, Nurturing Female Leaders at Kenyan Refugee Camp

They share the journey of Cecilia and Hope, who they say are passionate about education-based transformation.

“Cecilia is a young leader driven by her passion for education and gender equality. Growing up in Kakuma, she faced immense challenges, including missing out on school at an early age due to conflict and family struggles in her motherland,” JRS officials say.

They recall that even before Cecilia fully grasped the concept of schooling, she was captivated by the English she heard in cartoons and began dreaming of the day she could speak it fluently. They say that it was during those very moments that Cecilia’s dream of becoming a surgeon was born; watching animated characters perform heroic acts of healing ignited a lasting ambition.

“Despite inconsistent access to education in primary school, Cecilia never wavered in her pursuit of knowledge,” they say, adding, “She believes that education is more than just learning; it is a powerful tool to break cycles of poverty and displacement.”

JRS officials say that her thirst for education has enabled her to stand as an advocate for girls’ education, determined to inspire other young refugee girls to chase their dreams fearlessly. 

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“If your dreams don’t scare you, then you’re not dreaming big enough. I urge every girl to wake up and chase her dreams” Cecilia is quoted as saying in the March 25 report.

Equally passionate about mentorship and leadership, Hope is described in the report as being “committed to empowering young girls to find their voices and embrace their full potential.”

For Hope, JRS officials recall, “her journey has not been easy. As a child, she endured unimaginable distress during her experience of displacement. For a time, Hope lost hope. But in the midst of darkness, she found light — the support of her mother and the education she received enabled her to reclaim her future.” 

JRS officials say that Hope’s resilience has enabled her stand as a guidance and counselling champion in her school, a Girls’ Youth Club leader, and a fierce advocate for gender equality.

“She knows firsthand the struggles of displacement and the power of education and mentorship in shaping brighter futures,” they say.

In the March 25 JRS report, Hope is quoted as saying, “Our Voices do not just echo in the wind. They are the seeds of change, the foundation of a better tomorrow.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.