One girl can become a pharmacist

Wincate’s story started in adversity. At just nine years old, she lost her mother, and the little money her father made was often spent on drugs. Lacking the security and safety she needed, Wincate and her twin siblings moved in with her older sister—who had a family of her own to support.

Even in the safety of her sister’s home, life wasn’t easy: Most days, Wincate would be sent home from school because she couldn’t afford her school fees or supplies. And, on the days she could stay at school, after-school homework and studies were put aside to support her family.

Even in the face of adversity, Wincate dreamt of more: A career in medicine. But she knew her dream was limited by circumstances beyond her control. Without the resources or mentorship, she knew she would need to settle for a lesser pursuit. That is, until her high school principal called her to her office.

Wincate’s principal at Siakago Girls High School noticed Wincate had the grades but not the funds to pursue her education. She invited Wincate to disclose the details of her family dynamics and finances before introducing her to One Girl Can—and encouraging her to apply for a scholarship.

In Wincate’s words: “I will never forget how I came to learn that I had been accepted to the scholarship. I remember shedding tears of joy that night.” Relief, disbelief, joy—for a different future. For knowing someone she’d never met was willing to invest in her education and future.

Throughout her One Girl Can programming, Wincate noted her high school mentorship was “one of the most transformative experiences” for her, introducing her to mentors and exposing her to possible career paths, while helping her learn more about herself—her interests, strengths, and goals.

Today, Wincate has fulfilled the dream she never thought possible: She graduated from university with her Bachelor of Pharmacy. She’s interning with a community pharmacy and now dreams new dreams: Focusing her career in sexual and reproductive health, patient education, and digital health.

To her sponsor, Wincate says, “You opened doors for me I never thought I could ever walk through. You believed in me and my potential, even on days when I doubted a small village girl like me could truly make it in life. My success story will always have your name written in it. I treasure you so much.”

Wincate became a pharmacist because one girl can do anything.