Leader of Passion and Purpose
Loreto Rumbek is an impressive example of a community that empowers leaders to develop their strengths and take responsibility for different aspects of community life. Whether it is students producing their own newsletter or graduates conducting hygiene classes throughout the coronavirus pandemic, this MWIA-supported project is strengthened by continual review and capacity-building. At the heart of Rumbek’s human landscape is Priscilla Awau, an alumni of Loreto Rumbek, who now serves the community as Administrative Assistant and Human Resources Manager.
Priscilla completed her studies at Loreto Girls Secondary School in 2013 and joined the internship program at Rumbek, working as a teacher assistant in the primary school. Her family and Rumbek community rejoiced when Priscilla became the first family member to undertake tertiary studies at St Lawrence University in Uganda, completing her undergraduate degree at the end of 2017.
“It was my dream to come back and serve the community that moulded me to be who I am today. I also wanted to work with a selfless and great leader, Sr Orla Treacy, in order to learn from her how to be an agent of change and a great woman in my leadership journey. “
Priscilla’s studies, personal experience, and qualities of empathy, kindness, and understanding of the Rumbek reality make her an ideal staff member at Rumbek and a positive role model for the girls and young women who are being educated at Loreto.
Priscilla’s strengths lie in her highly-developed people skills. Her awareness of staff and student wellbeing, mentoring of students, staff and interns, and conflict resolution skills are a great asset to all. Sr Orla, Director at Loreto Rumbek, enjoys working in the same office as Priscilla, commenting that Priscilla “… is just great company, funny, very warm hearted and kind. She has been fantastic in dealing with families, communities and students when dealing with the issue of early and forced marriage”.
In light of MWIA’s renewed focus on the shared leadership of women, we are so proud of our leaders in various projects around the world. Priscilla’s poise and passion are an inspiration to Mary Ward’s global circle of friends. We look forward to watching Priscilla thrive and flourish as a strong leader in her community and country.
This final comment from Priscilla reveals her motivation to lead from a place of values and vision:
As a leader today, I have the experience to handle other people’s problems in general. This is a great opportunity for me because I get satisfaction and pleasure knowing I can be of help to the most vulnerable people who have suffered for a very long period of time.
