Meet Monica Elosy. Her story is strong evidence of the transformative power of education and its ripple effect on conservation and community well-being. Hailing from the Manyangalo community near Lewa, Monica’s journey has taken her from a Lewa Education Programme beneficiary to a vital voice for conservation, inspiring others and strengthening the connection between people and wildlife.
A Lewa sponsorship opened doors for Monica to pursue higher education at Kirinyaga University in central Kenya. Equipped with new skills and knowledge, she returned to Lewa in 2023, not just as a graduate but as a ranger. Initially managing the crucial radio room operations, Monica’s natural talent for advocacy stood out. Recognising this, Lewa offered her a new and exciting role: Guest Engagement Officer.
Monica at the Lewa Information Centre, where she serves as a Guest Engagement Officer.
Now, Monica welcomes visitors from around the globe, sharing the intricacies of Lewa’s conservation efforts and highlighting the life-changing impact of the very program that launched her own journey—the Lewa Education Programme. She explains the science behind conservation, the challenges faced, and the successes achieved, all while weaving in her personal experiences, making the message resonate on a deeply human level.
Monica’s story is more than just a personal success; it’s a powerful illustration of the far-reaching effects of education. It lends further credence to the importance of investing in young people and providing them with opportunities to become leaders of change within their communities. She embodies the idea that conservation and community empowerment are intrinsically linked, each strengthening the other.
Want to learn more about Monica, the Lewa Education Programme, and its transformative impact? Dive deeper into the stories and data in Lewa’s Annual Report.
