What if a single bead could shackle your dreams?

For countless girls, cultural traditions and societal expectations limit their achievement. In many communities, education is considered secondary to the roles girls are expected to play. But there’s hope—it starts with access to education, mentorship, and the belief that every girl deserves a chance to thrive.?

Meet Lucy ?

Lucy, a 13-year-old girl from Samburu, has experienced a life-changing transformation thanks to Akili Dada’s Manyatta Homeschooling program. In her community, retrogressive cultural practices like beading often limit a girl’s future. Lucy was once beaded, expected to bring wealth to her family instead of pursuing an education.?

"Since I joined Manyatta Homeschooling, I have been able to read, write, and do math," Lucy proudly shares. Her journey into formal education, however, was not without challenges. Convincing her parents to allow her to transition was difficult. Her mother explained that due to financial constraints and cultural traditions, Lucy could not attend school. It took the intervention of one of Akili Dada’s dedicated facilitators to help her parents understand the value of education.?

With newfound determination, Lucy courageously decided to remove her beads and enroll in formal education. Today, she is one of 24 students who have successfully transitioned from Manyatta Homeschooling to formal education, a testament to the program’s ability to empower girls and break cycles of poverty.

On this International Day of Education, we celebrate the tireless efforts of our facilitators, who work within communities to champion the education of girls like Lucy. Their dedication makes stories like Lucy’s possible.?

Manyatta Homeschooling continues to provide safe spaces for learning, mentorship, and personal growth, giving girls the tools they need to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.?