Educate and Empower Girls in Rural 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When Daisa joined the programme two years ago, she was quiet and withdrawn.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