Bochola Sara Arero, a UN Millennium Fellow for 2022, has distinguished herself as a visionary leader dedicated to fostering sustainable development and enhancing community resilience. She is the founder of the "Qayya Initiative," a transformative program that empowers rural women through training in sustainable incense harvesting and production. Under her leadership, this initiative has significantly improved the economic independence of these women, equipping them with skills that transcend traditional boundaries and foster long-term community growth. 

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As a co-founder of the "African Youth Pastoralist Initiative," Bochola has become a pivotal figure in advocating for the rights and welfare of pastoralist communities across Africa. Her work addresses critical issues such as climate justice, resource accessibility, land rights, and sustainable practices, paving the way for meaningful policy reforms. Her strategic approach combines advocacy with actionable solutions, ensuring that the voices of pastoralist communities are heard and integrated into national and international policy dialogues. 

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Bochola's influence extends to the global stage, where she has been instrumental in drafting and advocating for policy declarations that prioritize pastoralist perspectives in climate change discussions, notably presented at COP 27. Her contributions are not just policy-oriented; they resonate deeply with grassroots movements, driving change that benefits marginalized groups directly. 

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This fellowship will enable Bochola Sara to return to her home community by providing the necessary support for her to complete her studies in Rwanda. By doing so, she will be immediately equipped to contribute significantly to local development, leveraging her acquired skills and knowledge to make a tangible impact.