Paine was born and raised in a remote village in northern Tanzania, Paine hails from a proud Maasai family. In a community where education, particularly for girls, was not highly valued, Paine’s family stood apart. They believed in her potential and supported her education from primary school through advanced secondary school.
However, the financial burden of university education was beyond their means.
Undeterred, Paine reached out to the Pastoral Women’s Council (PWC), an organization known for its mission to sponsor the education of pastoralist girls. Recognizing her determination and potential, PWA sponsored Paine’s university education at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), where she pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work.
After graduation, Paine interned at various indigenous people organizations before joining the Ujamaa Community Resource Team (UCRT). UCRT is an environmental and social justice organization renowned for empowering marginalized indigenous groups in Northern Tanzania and helping them secure rights to their land and natural resources.
Starting from the ground up, Paine held various positions within UCRT, demonstrating her commitment and leadership skills. Today, she serves as the Executive Director of Ujamaa Community Resource Team, a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the transformative power of education.
In her own words, Paine says, “It is a privilege to give back to my community.” She is a living testament to the power of education and the impact of organizations like PWC. Her journey from a remote village to leading an organization is not just a personal success story, but an inspiration for many other girls in her community.