👋 Hi MGRC friends! I’m Yona Lumliko, and I’m truly excited to join the Maasai Girls Rescue Center family as Assistant Manager.

Education is the best gift you can give

My journey started at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, where my mom always said, “Education is the best gift you can give.” She didn’t have many opportunities herself, but she made sure I understood how learning could change lives. I remember one rainy season when our roof leaked, and we had to study by candlelight—my mom never let anything stop us from reading and dreaming big. Those nights taught me that education, combined with hope and determination, can break seemingly unbreakable cycles of poverty and open doors that once seemed closed forever.

My passion for education, vocational training, and digital literacy fits perfectly with MGRC’s vision. I believe these tools are essential for empowering girls to define their own futures. Education gives them a foundation for critical thinking and independence; vocational training equips them with practical skills to earn reliable incomes; and computer literacy opens the door to global opportunities, ensuring they are not left behind in a digital world.

Sustainability sets MGRC apart from other nonprofits and is a true game changer

MGRC’s sustainability strategy is one of the things that excites me most. The organization doesn’t just rely on donations—it’s building a future through entrepreneurial initiatives like the ecoFarm, ecoLodge, and Maasai Culture Center. These projects aren’t just about financial independence; they’re about empowering girls and the community, teaching valuable skills, and ensuring that MGRC’s impact will last for generations.

I hold a Master of Business Administration in Corporate Management, which has helped me guide organizations with clarity, accountability, and strategic purpose. But beyond the degrees and resumes, my heart is in sustainable agriculture — crop farming, animal husbandry, horticulture, beekeeping, and aquaculture. I believe these fields offer real opportunities for communities to thrive while taking care of the natural resources. I love nothing more than sharing this knowledge with my own family, the girls at the center, our staff, and the surrounding community.

Why I chose MGRC?

Over the past 12 years, I’ve worked with nonprofit organizations and development projects. I’ve seen firsthand that while many NGOs have good intentions, not all succeed in making a lasting impact. Sometimes, a lack of transparency or accountability can hold back even the best efforts. What makes MGRC stand out is its honesty, financial transparency, and commitment to real change through sustainability. From day one, I was impressed by how every resource is used wisely and every girl’s story truly matters. Here, small victories are celebrated, and donors can trust that their support goes directly to empowering Maasai girls. 

This is an organization that turns compassion into lasting change — and that’s rare. Every girl we help represents not just a life changed, but a ripple effect—stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger society. I am inspired by their resilience and determination, and being part of their journey motivates me to keep advocating, supporting, and creating opportunities for them to succeed.

As Christmas approaches, I’m grateful to join a team that turns compassion into action. Together, we’re building a brighter future—one girl at a time. Thanks for welcoming me! I can’t wait to share this journey with you.

— Yona Lumliko