This is Eunice Simantoi Lemujini, pictured here with her parents. She recently graduated from Laikipia University thanks to a Big Life scholarship, and she hopes to pursue a career in conservation.

Eunice grew up in Orbili, a settlement near the Chyulu Hills. It’s a remote area that has not historically given much importance to education, especially for girls. She is the first woman in her family and in her village to receive a university degree.

Eunice has always had a passion for the natural world. While her friends at school wanted become medics, teachers, and engineers, it was conservation that inspired her, citing her love for the environment and biodiversity as well as the work being done by Big Life rangers to protect wildlife.

An excellent student, Big Life stepped in when her family was unable to pay for the high university fees.

Thanks to our partnership with a German charity called Big Girls Foundation, we were able to cover the costs of Eunice’s degree.

Eunice says, “I want to become an example for women and girls who grew up like me to know that they can pursue their passions and become who they want to be. If they work hard and focus on their studies, then anything is possible.”

Eunice is a shining example of how conservation benefits those living in wildlife areas, and how those people may in turn go on to dedicate their lives to supporting conservation.

Congratulations, Eunice!

 Photos: Joshua Clay