Breaking barriers: Effie’s scholarship journey
Effie Atieno shares how The Bartlett Promise Scholarship helped her become the first in her family to earn a master’s and a role model for girls like her.
Effie Atieno’s story of resilience, purpose, and the power of education
When Effie Atieno found out she’d been awarded The Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Scholarship, she knew her life was about to change, but not just for her.
This opportunity means becoming a role model for other young women in my community. It means showing them that they can dream, and actually get there.
As the first in her family to pursue a master’s degree, Effie joined the Social Development Practice MSc at The Bartlett Development Planning Unit. However, the road wasn’t smooth, visa delays forced her to miss an entire term. Still, she held on.
I didn’t know if I’d be able to continue, but the staff at the Development Planning Unit never gave up on me.
She speaks with warmth and gratitude when she talks about her lecturers and support team.
People like Carmen Abouamra, Andrea Rigon, and Julian Walker on the course team—so many of them were there for me. Their belief kept me going.
Effie grew up in a place where, when a girl is born, the family might be mocked. She’s determined to change that narrative.
I want to create space for girls to rise. For them to know that education isn’t just for others, it’s for them too.
Now, with her studies complete, she’s focused on using what she’s learned to make a difference in her home country, especially in health and education.
I’ve seen how poverty limits opportunity, but I’ve also seen how much change is possible when you’re given the chance.
And that’s what this scholarship gave her—a chance.
I’m so thankful for this opportunity. It’s helped me grow, helped me learn, but more than anything, it’s helped me believe in what’s possible.
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