Maureen describes herself as enthusiastic, flexible, and open-minded. These are not just words to her. They are traits she has lived by, especially in moments when giving up would have been the easier choice. Today, she is a proud Moja Tu alumna working at Enashipai Resort and Spa as an intern Internal Security Officer, confidently holding her own in a department where only two women work.
Her journey with Moja Tu began in 2016, during her first term of Form One, at a time when her education was hanging in the balance. School fees had not been paid, and the possibility of dropping out felt very real. When Moja Tu visited her school, Maureen made a decision that would change her life. She gathered the courage to walk up to Kathy and explain her situation. That simple but brave step opened the door to a future she had not dared to imagine.
Soon after, her sponsors, Christie and Uhuru Dawson, stepped in to support her. “That moment changed everything for me,” Maureen recalls. “It felt like someone had finally seen me and believed that I was worth investing in.”
From that point on, Maureen’s determination met consistent support. Through Moja Tu, she received support with school fees, tuition, shopping, and health insurance throughout her secondary school years. When she transitioned to campus, the support expanded to include tuition, accommodation, upkeep, mentorship programs, guidance and counselling, and continued health insurance. This stability gave her the freedom to focus fully on her goals and to push herself academically and personally.
Maureen began her higher education journey by pursuing a diploma in criminology, a course she enjoyed deeply and completed with distinction. Encouraged by her success and driven by her own ambition, she progressed to a degree in the same field. The degree demanded more time, deeper research, and greater discipline, especially during attachments and project work. Even so, she stayed the course and graduated with a Second Class Upper Division. “The degree challenged me in ways I had never experienced before,” she says. “But it also taught me that I am capable of more than I think.”
Beyond academics, Moja Tu played a significant role in shaping Maureen’s confidence and self-belief. Through mentorship programs and career talks, she learned from professionals who had already walked the path she aspired to follow. She gained practical skills such as public speaking, CV writing, and self-advocacy. More importantly, she learned how to speak up for herself and take up space with confidence.
Today, Maureen proudly calls herself an empowered woman. Working in a male-dominated field has strengthened her belief that women belong in every space and every profession. She approaches her role with discipline, confidence, and a quiet determination that continues to set her apart. “Being in security has taught me to trust myself and my abilities,” she says. “I know I deserve to be here.”
As a Moja Tu alumna, Maureen is deeply committed to giving back. She mentors younger students, shares her story openly, and serves as living proof that circumstances do not define destiny. She believes that with determination, discipline, and faith, it is possible to rise beyond any limitation.
Maureen’s story is a reminder to sponsors and donors that investing in education goes far beyond paying school fees. It builds confidence, creates professionals, and shapes role models who inspire the next generation. Her journey shows what happens when self-drive meets opportunity and support.