Our Journey with Nisa
Khairunnisa (Nisa) was 18 years old when we first came into contact with her. She lived with her parents and 3 sisters in her village.
She graduated from High School as an excellent student and she was keen to continue her education however her family were unable to fund this. When she left school she helpled an Aunt to sell clothes and continued with her hobby of drawing until she could secure sponsorship to attend university.
Nisa was willing to work hard to achieve success in life. She would like to influence and encourage other woman in her village and in Lombok to make the most of education and use it to achieve what they are capable of as well as helping others.
Through Lenka Sisters Nisa found sponsorship to attend university and won a place at Hamzanwadi University to study Banking under the Economics Faculty.
She is now 23 and completed her research thesis and her final exams at university and graduated in December 2023.
More Recently
Whilst completing her studies, Nisa really enjoyed the conversational and discussion sessions where they could voice their opinions. She feels particularly grateful for the practical work experience that her course provided, for example working in a bank. She said, "we are directly involved in its operational activities. From this practical activity, we gain knowledge in the form of professional and efficient working methods".
Nisa likes to give back to the community by volunteering. She has spent time in a community service programme working to improve schools and communities in various projects: planting trees fruit trees for the village, strengthening soil texture in order to minimise the risk of landslides, and kid's environmental camping trips.
Nisa is willing to work hard to achieve success in life. She would like to influence and encourage other women in her village to make the most of education and achieve what they are capable of.
Nisa still visits her old high school. She feels that it is important to talk to the students and staff there about the opportunities that can come from gaining a tertiary education.
She wants to show girls who are in a similar position that it is possible to follow your aspirations.
