Educate and Empower Girls in Rural Kenya

Over the past three months, we implemented key activities under the Girls Empowerment Project aimed at improving access to education and supporting vulnerable girls across partner schools. A major activity during this period was the distribution of solar lamps to 150 girls from newly engaged schools. This followed a thorough baseline assessment to identify those most in need, particularly girls from households without access to reliable lighting. The provision of solar lamps has significantly enhanced the girls’ ability to study during evening hours, leading to improved concentration, increased completion of assignments, and better academic engagement. The support has reduced reliance on harmful lighting sources such as kerosene, contributing to improved health and reduced household expenses, while boosting the girls’ motivation and confidence in their education.

The project also provided emergency support to 20 highly vulnerable girls across different partner schools, supplying essential items including bedding, school uniforms, and writing materials. This support addressed immediate barriers that were hindering school attendance and participation. As a result, the beneficiaries demonstrated improved attendance, greater classroom participation, and increased self-esteem. The provision of these basic necessities restored dignity among the girls and created a more conducive learning environment, reducing the risk of absenteeism and school dropout. 

Mentorship sessions were conducted with girls focusing on the importance of education, using participatory approaches such as group discussions and peer mentorship. These sessions created a safe and supportive space for girls to share experiences and encourage one another. The outcome was increased awareness of the value of education, strengthened peer support systems, and improved confidence and communication skills among participants. The girls showed a renewed commitment to their studies and a more positive attitude toward their future, demonstrating the effectiveness of mentorship in reinforcing behavioural and attitudinal change.

In addition, the project conducted ten home visits targeting girls facing personal and family-related challenges. These visits provided an opportunity for personalized guidance and counselling while strengthening relationships between the girls, their families, and the project team. The intervention contributed to improved emotional well-being, increased parental involvement in education, and early identification of risks that could lead to school dropout. Overall, the integrated approach combining material support, mentorship, and psychosocial care has significantly contributed to enhancing the well-being, resilience, and educational outcomes of the girls supported during the reporting period.

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• Insights & Updates from Ndhiwa, Kenya

In October 2025, Twende Pamoja led the celebrations for the International Day of the Girl Child at Ndhiwa Hospital Comprehensive, in collaboration with 10 Civil Society Organizations working across Ndhiwa Sub-County. Guided by the global theme “The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis,” the event created a vibrant space where girls’ voices, talents, and leadership could be recognized and amplified.
The celebration brought together 600 participants - 540 children and 60 adults - including learners from partner schools, teachers, health workers, counsellors, local administrators, and community members. Through storytelling, public speaking, mentorship circles, counselling sessions, music, and exhibitions, girls expressed the realities they face growing up in rural Kenya: early pregnancy, limited access to opportunities, harmful cultural pressures, and gaps in education and mental health support.
Yet, above all, the day highlighted girls’ resilience, creativity, and leadership potential. Many of the girls who participated are part of our year-round Girls’ Empowerment Programme, and the progress they have made in confidence, self-expression, and leadership was inspiring to witness.

LOREEN DAISA – From Quite Learner to award-winning public speaker
One of the most powerful moments of the day came from Daisa Loreen, a shining example of what consistent mentorship can achieve.
When Daisa joined the programme two years ago, she was quiet and withdrawn. She avoided public speaking, rarely contributed to class discussions, and struggled to express herself. Like many girls in Ndhiwa, her brilliance and potential were overshadowed by low confidence and limited opportunities for growth.
Through our structured mentorship sessions - focusing on public speaking, communication, self-esteem, leadership development, and positive decision-making - Daisa slowly began to step out of her shell. She learned to articulate her thoughts, engage in debates, and lead peer discussions.
In 2025, her transformation reached new heights when she was named Best Public Speaker in Ndhiwa Sub-County. Later that year, she stood proudly as a Guest Speaker at the International Day of the Girl Child celebration. Addressing over 600 people, Daisa spoke with courage and authenticity about girls’ rights, confidence, and the importance of education.
Today, Daisa has become a peer mentor, guiding younger girls who face the same challenges she once struggled with. She embodies the impact of girl-centred investment: when you empower a girl, you change a community.

Why This Work Matters
Homa Bay County continues to face some of Kenya’s highest rates of teenage pregnancy, early marriage, and school dropout among girls. Safe spaces, mentorship, and leadership programmes are not optional - they are essential. Moments like these reaffirm why your support matters and why we remain committed to creating opportunities where girls can flourish.

Thank You for Your Continued Support
Your generosity makes it possible for girls in Ndhiwa to:
• build confidence
• gain leadership and communication skills
• access safe spaces
• connect with mentors
• celebrate their identities
• become change makers in their communities

Every mentorship session, school visit, training, counselling session, and celebration like this is powered by you. Thank you for investing in girls’ futures.
We look forward to sharing more stories of growth and transformation with you in the coming year.

Links:

• Read more about the Intenational Day of Girl Child Here