Member Highlight: Mama Shujaa's Journey with ECHO East Africa

by Brianna Medina, Lola Teer Beast, Roberto Fortunato, Joyce Nambaso, and CharlesBonaventura

In the heart of Meru district, Elinuru, or as most people call her "Mama Shujaa" translated from Swahili as “warrior woman” stands as a beacon of resilience and sustainability, embodying the spirit of change within her community. Mama Shujaa's introduction to ECHO came years ago during a transformative training session on perennial vegetables. Inspired by the possibilities these resilient crops offered, she became a fervent advocate, transforming her own garden into a living example of sustainable agriculture. Mama Shujaa firmly believes in the transformative potential of youth. She advocates for integrating environmental education into the school curriculum, empowering the next generation to confront climate change head-on. Her vision is simple yet profound: every child should learn not only how to grow a tree but also how to tend to their own gardens at home. Through these encounters, Mama Shujaa amplified her voice, advocating for sustainable practices and the empowerment of women in agriculture. As she aptly puts it, "The only way to make long-term changes is through education," a philosophy that continues to guide her journey towards a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Learn more about perennial vegetables in East Africa