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.
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.
