Name: Lucy
Age: 19
Tribe: Makonde
Skills: Singing, dancing
Favorite Food: Ugali and fish
Lucy’s Story: Lucy was born in Arusha and has lived here with her parents up until last year when she moved to her uncle’s house. Her parents, Lucy and her two sisters were all sharing one room, when the uncle offered to have the children live with him. Both parents are traditional dancers, performing in various venues around Arusha, mostly for tourists.
Lucy did not continue into Secondary School, leaving at the end of Standard 7 in 2004. Her parents did not have the money to support her in her education. Since leaving Primary education, Lucy has found no work and has remained at home.
In the future, her dream is to be a lawyer so that she can defend the rights of children. She feels passionate about the welfare of children and in particular, girls. Lucy believes that many girls are not given the opportunity to gain an education because boys are favoured by the families. All her life she has wanted to be a lawyer, and feels that she will be truly happy when this is achieved.
Lucy is a very enthusiastic student and we believe that she will do very well in her studies with us at the Umoja Youth Empowerment Centre. The courses she will study in this foundation year, will act as a stepping stone, helping her get back into studies and to focus on her dreams. When asked whether she would like to be married, Lucy replied, “yes, but at age 29, when all my dreams have been fulfilled”.
