缅北禁地

As a beacon of resilience, determination, and leadership, Monicah Malith's journey from a young refugee girl fleeing conflict in South Sudan to becoming the first International President of the University of Nairobi Students Association is inspirational. Monicah's life has been marked by challenges, loss, and societal pressures, but she has triumphed over adversity through unwavering determination, hard work, and an unyielding commitment to education. 

Monicah's story began in South Sudan, where, as a child, she knew no life beyond tending to cattle. Fleeing conflict at the age of 12, she found refuge in Kenya, facing language barriers and cultural differences. Despite the odds, she excelled academically, topping her class within a year of enrollment. Her educational journey, however, was fraught with financial constraints, the loss of her father, and persistent pressure to consent to forced marriages. 

Undeterred, Monicah's pursuit of education led her to overcome these obstacles. With the support of a sponsor and her tenacity, she completed high school, even in the face of her father's illness. Motivated by a deep desire to improve the justice system in South Sudan, she applied to study law at the University of Nairobi, where she secured the DAFI scholarship, providing financial stability without compromising her education.

In 2023, Monicah made history as the first-ever International student to be elected President of the University of Nairobi Students Association. In this role, she advocates for increased financial support for students as well as refugee students and emphasizes the importance of kindness, drawing from her own experiences of hostility and trauma. 

Monicah's commitment to education and leadership extends beyond her academic pursuits. Her involvement in various training programs, including Refugee, Youth Leadership, Advocacy, and Public Speaking Training, reflects her dedication to continuous personal and professional development. She has also actively engaged in advocacy initiatives, such as Amplifying the Voices of Girls and Young Women in Kenya, showcasing her commitment to empowering marginalized communities. 

Her numerous speaking engagements, including the UNHCR World Refugee Day March 2023 and the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, Switzerland, demonstrate Monicah's influence and impact on international platforms. Media outlets have recognized her achievements, with features in Citizen TV Kenya and a spotlight in the UNHCR Annual Education Report 2023. 

Monicah's leadership roles span diverse areas, including being the UNSA International Students Representative, a University of Nairobi Senate member, and the 5th President of the University of Nairobi Students Association. Her achievements within UNSA, such as spearheading the launch of the UNSA Comrades Magazine and organizing significant events like Mr. and Ms. UoN 2023, showcase her leadership prowess. 

Outside of academia, Monicah is deeply committed to community projects. She co-founded the Youth Uplift Network through UNHCR, mentoring over 1,000 refugee students on entrepreneurship and peace-building skills. Monicah is also the founder of the Gender Inclusive Community, advocating for gender equity among refugees in Kenya and Uganda. 

Her professional journey includes judicial attachments at Kibera Criminal Law Courts and Milimani Commercial Law Courts, reflecting her dedication to understanding the legal system. Monicah has received numerous honors, including being the First Runners Up for Student President of The Year 2023 at the East Africa Employability Summit and Uongozi Career Awards.

Monicah's technical and soft skills encompass public speaking, writing, advocacy, legal research, mentorship, networking, and leadership. Her interests and hobbies include swimming, listening to music, and reading novels, biographies, and African authors. As Monicah Malith continues to make strides in education, leadership, and advocacy, her journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.