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The insights I've gained from working with humanitarian
and development projects in Africa has played a vital role in shaping my life goals, and goals for Nurturing Minds. I believe
educating girls is a crucial component in building a foundation for a prosperous society and hope for the future. Working
in the refugee camps and rural areas, I remember how educated women had expanded choices accessing jobs and thereby improving
their income, leaving behind women who were not educated.
Growing up in Tanzania has shown me firsthand the impact that poverty
can have on a human life; and coming to America has made me realize the disparity between people that exist at birth.
I went to school with children whose parents could not afford to pay for their secondary education. The girls I remember had
so much talent, but most of their talent was wasted because of the lack of opportunities. If someone had helped them, they
would have been able to help themselves and their communities. My passion for humanity and development has allowed me to come
to the conclusion that I want to be more than a witness to history, but a creator of it. I have known Polly for more
than 10 years as I worked with her in Tanzania on a project mitigating refugees' impact on the environment. When she invited
me to join the board of Nurturing Minds, I was so moved with a sense of fulfillment that the project would bring to the girls’
lives.
I
am fortunate to have been raised by two loving parents; My mother has instilled in me compassion for others and the desire
to help make the world a better place to live. My mother herself during her life took care of so many children helping them
to have a better life. The proud feeling of having a dedicated and selfless mother such as mine has inspired me to dedicate
my time and resources so that girls at the Sega School could model the same selflessness motherhood to their children and
future generations. As I reflect on the gifts my mother has given me, the most important lesson coming to mind is the
power of kindness and empathy. I am confident to say that people in the world have a common desire for our ideal world to
be a place where love, compassion, and generosity towards one another are present. Together we can accomplish that goal.
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