A Day in Leadership: Homa Bay Girl’s Journey as Ireland’s Ambassador at 16 Years
A 16-year-old girl from Homa Bay County experienced immense joy while serving as Ireland’s ambassador to Kenya for a day.
Sheryl, a Plan International girl advocate, was supported by her 14-year-old colleague Patience from Machakos County during her 24-hour role at the Irish Embassy.
In a Citizen TV interview, she shared, “I’ve learned that you must take pride in who you are because opportunities come once, and it’s up to you to seize them.”
As participants in Plan International’s Child Sponsorship program, the teenagers interacted with embassy staff, gaining insight into daily operations.
Kenyan teens lead at the Ireland Embassy.
Sheryl and Patience undertook several duties usually performed by the Irish Ambassador to Kenya, including chairing a senior management meeting and learning about various portfolios.
They also engaged in the embassy’s work on empowering girls and youth.
The young leader expressed her excitement and surprise about the opportunity, revealing her shock at traveling to Nairobi for the first time to visit the Irish Embassy.
“Being here means traveling the world, and for the first time, I flew in a plane, something I had never imagined. I couldn’t believe it when I was told three weeks ago,” she remarked.
She also encouraged other girls to pursue their dreams without fear, no matter the obstacles.
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The 16-year-old highlighted challenges girls in her community face, such as managing menstrual hygiene, limited access to education, poverty, reproductive health issues, and discrimination.
She emphasized that a major barrier to education in her society is the lack of funds for tuition and personal necessities.
Evelyn Maris, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Irish Embassy in Kenya, acknowledged that historically, women’s visibility in leadership positions was rare.
Maris added, “Seeing women in key roles at the Embassy, from the Ambassador to the Deputy Ambassador and other senior positions, I hope this inspires them to believe that they too can achieve this.”
She also commended Plan International for amplifying the voices of girls.
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A Day in Leadership: Homa Bay Girl’s Journey as Ireland’s Ambassador at 16 Years
