Communications | Kisa Program | Kisa Alumni | Leadership | 11th April 2025

What happens when a girl discovers that leadership isn’t about grades—but about courage, confidence, and making a positive impact in her community?

Before Adina Luwanda (now a GLAMI Program Mentor) joined the Kisa Program as a scholar, she had big dreams, however, she never saw herself as a leader because she believed leadership was tied to academic excellence—if you had low grades, you couldn’t be a leader. She said, “I never pictured myself as a leader because I didn’t have the best grades. At the time, it was believed that to be a leader in school, you first needed to have top academic performance.”

When she joined the program in the year 2017 to 2019 from Langasani secondary school, Adina experienced firsthand the power of mentorship— which in turn gave room for her to reveal strengths she never knew she had before. She gained confidence and, over time, began to aspire to leadership as she learnt what leadership truly meant. What inspired her to join the Kisa Program? The Kisa Mentors—their confidence, something Adina had struggled to build, and their ability to speak in front of others with clarity and confidence. She shared, “I loved how the mentors could stand in front of everyone and speak confidently and in an organized manner. I wanted to be like them.”

The Kisa Class provided her with the space to grow, learn new things, practice leadership, and build confidence. It became a platform for her to envision a future where she saw herself as a leader. With guidance from her mentor, she found the strength and a clear roadmap to become not only what she had once envisioned but even more.

Adina Blossomed as she became a self-reliant prefect at her school and was also appointed as the Tanzania Young Catholic Students Secretary (TYCS) at school. But her growth didn’t stop there—she also learned how to communicate assertively, a skill she had been working on, as she was previously used to aggressive communication. This shift allowed her to better understand teamwork and the importance of setting boundaries in relationships. She shared, “I used to be an aggressive communicator, but I learned how to become assertive and improve my teamwork skills. I also learned about interpersonal relationships. My personality is that of a helper, but I now understand the importance of setting boundaries when helping others so that I don’t overextend myself.”

Her journey in Kisa inspired her to give back. Why? Because she believed that if she was transformed, supported to thrive, and able to realize her potential, then the community needed more people like her mentors—individuals who could continue the ripple effect of mentorship. She shared, “Who I am today is because there were people—my mentors—who believed in me and were ready to support me. I want to do the same for other girls, just as my mentors did for me.” After completing the program, Adina made a deeply personal decision – to become a GLAMI Program Mentor.

Here is what Adina had to share about her scholars and how she enjoys being their Mentor : “What I love about my scholars is that, in many ways, they remind me of my younger self—curious, full of questions about their future, and sometimes influenced by mob psychology on their careers. I see myself in them during those moments. I cherish the way they walk with me after sessions, eagerly sharing even their smallest achievements. Their excitement takes me back to when I was in their shoes.” This reflects how, if Adina once had similar questions as a mentee, her own mentees can now find answers through her—someone who has grown from being a curious student to a confident, experienced mentor.

Bringing the Power of Mentorship to a Global Stage

Adina’s journey from Kisa Scholar to mentor prepared her in ways she never expected. In 2024, she was invited to represent GLAMI and the Kisa Program at UNESCO in Paris, in celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child. It was an opportunity to share the impact of mentorship—not just on her life, but on the thousands of girls GLAMI supports across Tanzania. She said, “I felt privileged to share the stories of the girls we mentor and my own story and highlight the impact of our programs, which have empowered over 19,000 girls to dream bigger and overcome barriers. It was also a chance to represent the incredible work of my fellow mentors, whose dedication and guidance inspire girls to transform their lives every day.”

At the panel, Adina spoke about the transformative role of mentorship in empowering African girls, particularly in breaking barriers such as societal expectations, early marriage, and limited access to quality education. “Many girls grow up believing that their dreams have limits,” she shared during the discussion. “But mentorship changes that. It provides them with the guidance, confidence, and belief that they are capable of achieving more than what society sometimes dictates.” 

She shared the panel with inspiring individuals, including a student from Sulá Batsú, the Executive Director of the Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education (PAGE), and a Principal Education Officer from Tanzania.

Adina was particularly inspired by the student panelist from Sulá Batsú, who shared a powerful perspective on education—advocating for schools that move beyond grading labels to instead nurture individual talents and create a good future foundation for them. “Her words really connected with me,” Adina recalls. “They reminded me the importance of mentorship—helping girls recognize their unique strengths and build their own paths.”

She also received encouragement from Tanzanian Embassy representatives in France. “Their presence gave me so much courage. It reminded me that the work we’re doing at GLAMI is recognized and valued beyond Tanzania.”

Lessons Learned & The Future of Mentorship

The biggest lesson Adina took home? The power of community and support.

“From the UNESCO team to the Tanzanian Ambassador, everyone I met welcomed me with warmth and encouragement. It made me feel like I was part of something much bigger than just presenting my work. Their belief in me and the Kisa Program gave me the courage to speak more confidently.”

She now envisions an education system that empowers girls beyond academics—focusing on leadership, self-confidence, and critical life skills. “My journey—from mentee to mentor, and now to an international advocate—has highlighted one thing,” she says. “Mentorship changes lives. And I am committed to making sure more girls have access to it, so they too can dream bigger, achieve more, and transform their futures -just like Mentorship did for me”

Let’s continue working together to ensure that girls in schools are equipped not only with academic knowledge, but also with leadership and life skills—giving them the opportunities they need to thrive.