Empowering Communities through Research and Mentorship
Amina at the WIK offices in Nairobi, where she met and engaged with a group of WIK tertiary scholars and alumni.
Amina Maalim's journey from a WIK scholarship recipient to a Senior Research Scientist at Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) exemplifies the transformative power of education and dedication to community service.
Amina's story begins with her pursuit of an MSC in Agroforestry at Bangor University, made possible through the Windle Trust International Post Graduate Programme facilitated by Windle International Kenya. Upon completing her studies in 2018, Amina returned to Kenya with a determination to utilize her newfound expertise for the betterment of her community.
Driven by a passion for environmental conservation and climate change mitigation, Amina wasted no time in initiating impactful projects. She established mentorship programs for girls in secondary schools in Garissa County, aiming to bridge the gap in access to education and encourage more girls to pursue STEM courses. Amina's mentorship extends beyond academia; she also guides youth groups through the Maarifa Corner program, focusing on local environmental solutions.
In addition to mentorship, Amina is actively involved in training and research initiatives. She spearheaded flood risk mapping training in Garissa and proposed innovative interventions, such as planting bamboo species for water and soil conservation. Amina's dedication to research and training extends globally, as evidenced by her participation in fellowship programs in Germany and mentorship programs with Project Learning Tree Canada.
Amina's networking efforts have resulted in fruitful collaborations with institutions like Garissa University and the County Government of Garissa, leading to MoUs for research and development initiatives and the establishment of a center of excellence in drylands. She is also a founding member of Researchers Without Borders, a group dedicated to developing proposals for funding, with successful projects underway in Northern Kenya.
Despite her remarkable achievements, Amina remains grounded and grateful for the opportunities afforded to her. She acknowledges the global perspective gained through her scholarship and looks forward to further collaborations with Windle International Kenya in mentorship, training, and community engagement activities.
Amina's story is a testament to the transformative impact of education and community service. Through her dedication and leadership, she is empowering communities to address environmental challenges and build a sustainable future for generations to come