Lillian Mbunito, a beacon of hope from Ololokwan village in Loliondo, Ngorongoro District, was born into a traditional Maasai family. In her community, education, particularly for girls, was not highly valued. The prevailing customs favored forced and early marriages. Despite these circumstances, Lilian’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and determination.
In her early life, Lilian’s father enrolled her in primary school, not with the intention of educating her, but to prepare her for marriage in exchange for cows. However, Lilian had a different vision for her life. She excelled in her standard seven examinations and was selected by the government to continue her secondary education.
Faced with the prospect of a forced marriage, Lilian made a bold stand. She expressed her desire to continue her studies, stating, “I told my father that want to study because I want to help my family and community through education.” Her family, however, was unwilling to support her education financially.
In this challenging situation, PWC learned about Lilian’s predicament through their network of trained community women champions. They stepped in to sponsor Lilian’s education, supporting her through college where she studied Community Development.
After graduation, Lilian was fortunate to be employed as a Community Development Officer at the Ngorongoro District Council. This position allowed her to work at the heart of her community, using her education to effect change.
As a Community Development Officer, Lilian has helped hundreds of Maasai women who have faced Gender-Based Violence. She has also assisted numerous Maasai women’s groups in acquiring loans with minimal interest from the district council. Furthermore, she has been instrumental in advocating for the importance of education within her community.
Lilian is deeply grateful to PWC for their invaluable support. In her own words, she says, “Because of PWC now I am able to stand on my own feet to take care of my family and to make a remarkable impact to the life of hundreds of people in my community” Today, Lilian stands as a beacon of hope and change in her community, demonstrating the transformative power of education and determination.
Her story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that even in the face of adversity, one can rise above and effect meaningful change. Lilian’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the belief in the transformative power of education. Her story continues to inspire and empower many in her community and beyond.