Emily Beat the Odds, Kenya

Emily was selected by her school to attend the LEI Program in 2014. After numerous setbacks while growing up, like losing eyesight in one eye due to a tumor and losing her father to diabetes, Emily found herself a leader amongst her peers, frequently asked for her testimony of courage.

After attending two levels of the LEI Program, she and a fellow LEI member formed a community based youth group for rural kids in Isiolo, named Angaza Isiolo (shining light). “We educated hundreds of young children and adolescents on safety, health, sex, and children’s rights. We even launched a youth based radio broadcasting program tackling taboo topics that are critically needed, particularly in our communities with so many cultural beliefs. Thanks to the information I learned at LEI on researching and persevering, I obtained a scholarship in 2015 to join the Kenya Medical Training College. I now have a certificate in Health Records and Information Technology, and I’m working part time on my diploma. While I secure a job, I currently team with Asante Africa to motivate and teach hundreds of young girls on their rights and how to have courage to chase their dreams.”