Rehema Abiyo, from the Tana River region of Kenya, is the first girl from her village to obtain a university degree. Rehema is currently studying for a PhD in General Linguistics at the University of Stellenbosch. Her focus area is on Education and the literacy practices of her multilingual homeland. Rehema has dedicated her career to her education, working and volunteering tirelessly within her community. For instance, as a result of her creation of Mother Tongue books, children are now able to access the school curriculum in a language that they understand. In the future, Rehema aims to become a leading Education Researcher across the economically disadvantaged rural regions of Africa. Kenyan nomadic lifestyles are becoming less viable, in no small part due to climate change, and local communities are seeking alternative ways of living. A quality education is essential. Going beyond rote learning of the ABCs, Rehema’s holistic vision includes new teaching strategies, parent involvement and holds the potential for the creation of a formal literacy program.

“I’m doing this for children […] to reach as many as I can […] The ultimate goal is to empower learners [and] break the poverty cycle through access to quality education.”

Hannah Simba is a 2020 South Africa Program grantee. She is pursuing a PhD in Public Health at the University of Stellenbosch. Hannah is Zimbabwean and brings a strong multidisciplinary background in biology and environmental studies to her current and planned research into the etiology of cancers that have a severe impact on women and children in Africa. Simba realized early the crucial role of mentoring and guidance for African girls, if they are to realize their potential. For 8 years she has been an energetic leader and participant in empowerment activities for high school girls through STEM tutoring in schools, and organizing girls’ camps and workshops focused on programming and reproductive health. She has managed to reach hundreds of girls, and has trained around 20 university students as mentors, working as Chapter Leader in WAAW (Working to Advance STEM education for African Girls), as well as through an organization she co-founded.

“I am only one,…..I can’t do everything, but I can do something” are the words I live by. I have found my purpose in medical research and the empowerment of women. I want to change the status quo. Throughout my undergraduate studies where I had 28 courses, I was lectured by only one female professor. This bothered me. We need locally trained female scientists who will sit in critical decision- making bodies and represent women. When women lack mentorship and guidance….. they fail to reach their full potential. Since 2012 I have been involved in programs and campaigns for mentoring and empowering women and girls.”