Ruth Jepkemoi, one of the scholars from the first cohort of the Cambridge Mastercard Foundation scholar’s program who recently earned an MPhil in Conservation Leadership was treated to a heart-warming homecoming party by her community. The celebration hosted by the Centre of Human Development (CHD) Conservation Kenya, in celebration of Ruth’s academic achievement brought together members of her community in a vibrant and colourful event that took place in Amboseli constituency in her home country, Kenya.
Ruths journey to Cambridge, is nothing short of inspiring. This journey began in the heart of Lemong’o village, Amboseli, Kenya, back in 2019. Fuelled by the belief that education is the key to empowerment and change, Dr. Winnie Kiiru, an exemplary wildlife conservationist, began an empowerment camp where Maasai girls and women not only accessed education but also became self-reliant eco-warriors through conservation education. Ruth Jepkemoi already passionate about conservation was entrusted with spearheading the first-ever girls' empowerment camp in Lemongo. One of the primary goals of the program is to break the cycle of limited education for Maasai girls. The program has since paved the way for over 15 girls to receive fully funded high school scholarships. Last year marked a historic moment when two mentees became the first girls in Lemongo to complete their high school education.
To the mentees, Ruth Jepkemoi is more than a teacher or mentor—she is the light they never had. They looked up to Ruth, who in turn was committed to achieving higher heights to serve as an example to her mentees. When Ruth decided to pursue an MPhil in Conservation Leadership at the University of Cambridge, the one obstacle she needed to surmount was the financial support. The generous support from the Mastercard foundation scholarship program enabled her to surmount this challenge and obtain her MPhil in Conservation leadership from the University of Cambridge. Her dedication and preparedness met with opportunity. Her exemplary success which was outstandingly celebrated by the Maasai community and the CHD team has inspired the girls and they can now see the world from Ruth’s eyes.
As the program thrives, the focus remains on community involvement, holistic education, mentorship, and sustainability. From the scholars program team , we wish Ruth the best as she continues to Lighting the way and Empowering Maasai Girls through Education and Conservation.
(Photo Credit - CHD Kenya)