Sara Shamana’s path to success was not easy. The eldest daughter in her family, she grew up knowing that she had to set a good example for her younger siblings.

A bright student who always ranked at the top of her class, Sara valued education deeply – even when others tried to stand in her way.

“I always wanted to be responsible and make the best of my education so that my younger siblings understood the value of learning,” she says.

When Sara was about to graduate from elementary school, she learned that a man was planning to abduct her if she refused his hand in marriage. “I started to spend my time indoors,” she recalls. “I felt bad that my father, brothers and uncles had to protect me so that I could take the regional exam.”

Eventually, a case was filed against the man, and authorities restrained him, allowing Sara to continue her education.

She went on to attend high school and later college, where she studied to become a teacher – a childhood dream. “Teaching is a respected profession. I have always wanted to become a teacher,” she says.

Taking a stand against child marriage to pursue her education

When she began teaching in a rural school, Sara quickly realized that many girls in her community faced similar challenges she once did.

She became passionate about standing up for them. “Our society does not see the value of education for girls. It is not easy for them to pursue their dreams,” says Sara.

Sara’s passion, hard work and leadership stood out. Within a few years, she was promoted to vice principal – despite resistance from some, who criticized her forward-thinking views.

“There were many teachers who favored me for the position, while others found it hard to be led by a woman. I had to set aside their perceptions and stay on my path,” she says.

From classroom to leadership: Sara’s path as a champion for education

Sara did not stop there. She later became principal, a rare role for women in rural schools, and continued to champion girls’ education.

Earlier this year, Sara was enrolled in a National School Leadership Training, that is intended to enhance teachers’ pedagogical competencies and management skills.

The initiative was part of the System Transformation of Education Program (STEP) supported by GPE in partnership with UNICEF. The training helped in her next move: deputy head of her district’s education bureau.

In her role as deputy head of the district education bureau, Sara oversees numerous schools, making sure to spend time with students and mentoring teachers – including at the school she once worked at.

“Whenever Sara visits, she encourages us to be good students,” says 15-year-old Tsige Mathewos.

At home, Sara is also a mother of three and shares her passion for education with her husband, who is a deputy principal of a high school. “We discuss many challenges in the academic environment. That helps me a lot,” she says.

Sara hopes to continue her studies and earn a master’s degree. “That is something I feel is missing. I know I can do it,” she says. She believes women can achieve their dreams when they persist and in overcoming challenges.