Support 1000 teen moms' Education in Kisumu, Kenya

Make Me Smile-Kenya continued its work with Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in Kisumu County throughout the second quarter of 2026. Building on the momentum from the start of the year, our integrated approach kept its focus on breaking the cycles of HIV vulnerability, early pregnancy, and gender-based violence. This report highlights our key activities between April and June, with a special spotlight on mentorship, sexual and reproductive health education, and keeping young mothers in school.

SRHR Sensitization

During this quarter, we reached 133 adolescents through focused Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) sessions. These took place both within our children's club meetings and alongside community health talks, creating safe spaces where girls could openly learn about HIV prevention, reproductive health, and available youth-friendly services. These conversations went beyond just sharing information, they helped break down deep-seated stigma and encouraged the girls to confidently seek out the healthcare they deserve.

Mentorship (Asset Building)

Mentorship remained at centre of our outreach this quarter, with 1,189 adolescent girls participating in structured sessions. This included regular mentorship group meetings and a sports tournament that brought the girls together in a spirit of teamwork and fun. Through these interactions, the girls built strong peer networks, developed critical life skills, and worked on building their self-esteem. Many shared that they felt less alone in their struggles, gaining the emotional strength to face stigma and pressure at school and at home.

Vocational Training

During the reporting period, as the previous cohort of trainees proceeded to industrial attachment, we enrolled an additional 200 new adolescents in ICT, Solar Technology, Tailoring, and Cosmetology. These trainees are preparing for their NITA examinations scheduled for December 2026. Cumulatively, 61 graduates from the program have secured employment. In addition, the project reached 857 individuals through community awareness forums, provided dedicated GBV sensitization to 359 participants, and ensured access to family planning and HIV screening services for those who needed them.

Conclusion

Overall, the April to June quarter reflects steady, meaningful progress in the lives of adolescent girls in Kisumu County. By weaving together empowering SRHR knowledge, financial support for education, the unshakeable foundation of mentorship, and practical job-ready skills, Make Me Smile-Kenya is walking alongside these young women every step of the way. Each girl supported is another bright spark of possibility, and we are proud to see them growing stronger, wiser, and more hopeful with every passing month.