Between the Volleyball Court and a New Beginning: How Rose Forges Her Own Path

This determination also shapes her life outside the classroom. In her home village of Ilambilole in the Iringa region, everyone calls her simply “Roziii.” Rose is growing up in a large Maasai family: a father, four wives, and 15 children. Her mother is the eldest of the wives. It is an environment in which Rose experiences a great deal of warmth, yet she analyzes its structural limitations with astonishing clarity.

“When men marry many women and father more children than they can adequately provide for, women and children lose their independence in everyday life,” Rose reports from her own experience. “Then there is a lack of basic necessities—safe housing, medical care, and, above all, a reliable education.”

Here at SCHULBANK e.V., we have been supporting Rose on her educational journey for quite some time now. She is currently in tenth grade and is among the top students in her grade at school. On her most recent national exams, she achieved the highest grade: Division 1 with 9 points. For Rose, academic success is not an end in itself, but rather the key to achieving her own goal. After graduating from high school, she wants to study social sciences and later work as a community development officer.

In her home village, she takes a realistic view of the challenges posed by polygamous marriage structures—ranging from economic insecurity to health risks such as the spread of HIV. Rose does not want to sweep these issues under the rug in her community; instead, she aims to raise awareness as an advocate. She sees education as a tool for challenging outdated traditions and empowering young women to make their own decisions.

At the same time, she never forgets where she comes from. In her family, she values the strong sense of community and the mutual support among the mothers—whether in the kitchen, in daily life, or in raising the children. Rose combines her desire for change with a deep respect for her community. We look forward to accompanying her on the next steps of this journey.

Author: Edgar Mgembe, Program Manager at SCHULBANK e.V.

About SCHULBANK e.V. At SCHULBANK e.V., we support young people on their journey toward an independent life. Through our scholarship program for orphaned children and adolescents, we provide targeted access to quality education and personalized support in their local communities. Young women like Rose vividly demonstrate how reliable educational support fosters social change from within.

Would you like to support young people in this way? Become an Education Sponsor Today

Note: All content, quotes, images, and media materials used in this article were published with the express consent of the individuals portrayed or their legal guardians.