By Keturah Shammah | Project Leader
Dear GEM Partner,
We’re thrilled to bring you an inspiring story of transformation, one that captures the powerful ripple effect of mentorship through your generous support.
At Girls Education Mission International, we’ve always believed that when you invest in one girl, you spark a movement. Today, we celebrate three shining examples of that truth- Itswell, Lois, and Dorcas -3 of the founding girls of GEM who have grown from mentees to mentors, leaders, and changemakers in their own right.
Itswell: From Mentee to Mentor, Now Leading Girls Forward
Once a girl supported by GEM, Itswell made a life-changing decision. She left her well-paid government job to fully commit to GEM’s mission of empowering girls. Today, she serves as:
Ahead of 2025 International Women’s Day, Itswell, through her Facebook page, wrote this reflection:
“I was having a look back and I'm still grinning from ear to ear in respect to the girls' mentorship and leadership workshop at GEM. Seeing those bright, curious faces light up with confidence and determination is truly the best part of my job. As Malala said: 'We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.' And Michelle Obama reminds us: 'There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish.' I’ve seen it time and time again—when we support each other, there's no challenge we can't overcome. Let’s #AccelerateAction together!”
In response to Itswell post, GEM’s Executive Director Keturah Shammah shared:
“As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, my heart is full with joy seeing the girls I mentored now mentoring others. This is a powerful reminder that when we invest in girls, we ignite a movement. The ripple effect of mentorship fuels my passion for girls' education and empowerment.”
Lois: A Pharmacist Giving Back, with a Dream to Serve
Lois, empowered through GEM’s support, just graduated as a pharmacist. She’s now volunteering her time and expertise with GEM to inspire and educate girls while she works toward her dream: to open a pharmacy in a rural community, where access to basic health services is a daily challenge.
Her dream is to be a service to humanity and with your help, we can make it happen.
Dorcas: From Learner to Entrepreneurial Leader
Dorcas, now a trained business administrator and entrepreneur, is mentoring girls in vocational skills and helping them gain financial independence. Her dream is to open a structured vocational training center where she can train many more girls to start and grow their businesses.
She needs resources and space, and your support can provide them.
Itswell, Lois, and Dorcas returned to GEM’s hub during the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child celebration, where they shared their stories and inspired hundreds of girls. They are now not just the future; they are the leaders of now. Listen to their stories here https://youtu.be/cpJQUf2x0QU
Help Multiply the Impact
This is more than a story, it’s a movement. Your support is building a future where girls mentor, lead, and empower others.
Will you help us take their dreams further?
Support Lois to establish a rural pharmacy
Support Dorcas to launch a vocational training center
Donate to our Women’s Day Fundraiser or the Executive Director’s 40th Birthday Fundraiser, aiming to support 40 schoolgirls with scholarships and 40 young women entrepreneurs with business grants.
Click https://www.globalgiving.org/fundraisers/62309/ or https://www.globalgiving.org/fundraisers/52452/ to donate now
Together, let’s empower more girls to become unstoppable forces for change.
With gratitude,
from all of us at Girls Education Mission International
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