Impact Stories
SPONSORSHIP FOR BETTER FUTURE
Tabitha Njeri Murigi
From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Tabitha’s Story
At a critical point in her education, Tabitha Njeri Murigi faced the harsh reality of dropping out of school.
Raised by her grandparents, Tabitha grew up in a household with limited financial means. Despite these challenges, she excelled academically, scoring an impressive 506/700 in her primary school examinations. However, her transition to secondary school seemed impossible due to lack of school fees.
Through FAWE Kenya’s Girls Scholarship Programme, Tabitha received full financial support, including school fees, basic needs, and mentorship opportunities. She also participated in career guidance workshops that exposed her to professionals and helped her shape her ambitions.
With this support, Tabitha was able to focus fully on her studies, improve her academic performance, and build confidence in her future. Today, she is determined to achieve her goals and give back to her community.
Her journey highlights how targeted support can transform uncertainty into opportunity.
Your support can help more girls like Tabitha stay in school and succeed.
Mercy Wangechi
Breaking Barriers to Education: Mercy’s Story
Mercy Wangechi’s education was constantly interrupted due to financial hardship.
Raised by a single mother struggling to support three children, Mercy frequently missed school as she was sent home for unpaid fees. By her third year in secondary school, the situation had worsened, with accumulated fee balances threatening her ability to complete her education.
Through FAWE Kenya’s intervention, Mercy received the financial and emotional support she needed to stay in school. This stability allowed her to concentrate on her studies during her final year, an essential period for academic success.
With consistent support, Mercy regained focus, improved her performance, and remained in school.
Her story reflects the reality of many girls whose education is disrupted by poverty and how timely intervention can change their trajectory.
Support from donors ensures that girls like Mercy are not forced to abandon their education due to financial barriers.
Fancy’s Life History
Resilience in the Face of Loss: Fancy’s Story
At just six years old, Fancy Chepkemoi experienced a life-altering tragedy, the loss of her mother.
Left in the care of guardians alongside her siblings, her family struggled to maintain stability. Education became uncertain, with disruptions affecting both her and her siblings’ schooling.
Despite these challenges, Fancy remained determined to continue her education. Through FAWE Kenya’s support, she gained access to a stable learning environment and the encouragement needed to persevere.
Today, as a student at Koru Girls’ High School, Fancy continues to pursue her education with resilience and hope for a better future.
Her story is a testament to the power of support systems in helping vulnerable girls overcome adversity.
Your support helps restore stability and hope for girls facing similar challenges.
Emmaculate Akoko
From Loss to Leadership: Emmaculate’s Story
Emmaculate Adhiambo Akoko’s journey has been shaped by both loss and resilience.
After losing her father at a young age, her family faced financial difficulties that threatened her education. Despite these challenges, Emmaculate remained committed to her studies, performing well in her primary school examinations.
Through FAWE Kenya’s support, she was able to continue her education and later grow into a leadership role as a peer counselor. In this role, she now supports other students, providing guidance and encouragement.
Her transformation from a vulnerable student to a mentor demonstrates the long-term impact of investing in girls’ education.
By supporting FAWE, donors help nurture not just students but future leaders.
Beatrice Chepkemoi
Restoring Hope Through Education: Beatrice’s Story
Before receiving support, Beatrice Chepkemoi’s education was marked by constant disruption.
Coming from a low-income household, she was frequently sent home due to unpaid school fees, missing classes and exams. This affected her academic performance and led to a loss of hope in her studies.
Through FAWE Kenya’s scholarship programme, Beatrice received the support she needed to remain in school consistently. With uninterrupted learning, her performance improved, and she regained confidence in her academic abilities.
Today, Beatrice is motivated to succeed and build a better future for herself and her family.
Her story highlights the critical role of consistent access to education in unlocking a girl’s potential.
Your support ensures that girls like Beatrice can stay in school and thrive.
Doreen Nafula Wekesa
Overcoming Poverty to Pursue Education: Doreen’s Story
Doreen Nafula Wekesa grew up in a challenging environment marked by poverty and loss.
Orphaned at a young age, she was raised by her grandparents in a modest one-room, grass-thatched home in Bungoma County. With limited resources and increasing family responsibilities, continuing her education was a major challenge.
Through FAWE Kenya’s support, Doreen was able to stay in school and complete her secondary education. This opportunity gave her hope and a pathway toward a better future.
Her story reflects the realities faced by many girls in marginalized communities and the life-changing impact of access to education.
With donor support, more girls like Doreen can overcome barriers and achieve their dreams.
Elizabeth Masindet
Youth Facilitator | ADOL Project | Narok County
Elizabeth Masindet from Narok County remembers her school days vividly. “I was the quiet girl in the corner,” she says softly. “Even saying my name in class made my voice shake.” Teachers described her as bright but shy, a student with potential that fear kept hidden.
The turning point came when younger girls in her neighborhood began confiding in her about their fears — low self-esteem, peer pressure, and the feeling of not being good enough. “They would come to me in whispers, and I realized they trusted me even when I had little confidence in myself,” Elizabeth recalls. That trust lit a spark, pushing her to join her school debate club, trembling at first but growing steadier each time she spoke.
“I learned that courage is not about being fearless, but about choosing to speak despite the fear,” she reflects.
Today, Elizabeth leads groups of 30 to 50 girls, using storytelling, role plays, and debates to teach confidence, leadership, and resilience. She has organized menstrual health talks, held life skills workshops, and spoken to girls about believing in their own potential. No longer the girl who hid in the corner, Elizabeth now stands at the front, speaking with strength and compassion.
“My goal is for every girl in Narok to believe that her voice matters.”
Enock Moitere Nyamako
TUSEME Club Member | Oloosuyian Integrated Comprehensive School, Kajiado County
For years, Enock Moitere Nyamako experienced school through a world of silence. Despite living with severe hearing impairment, Enock remained determined to learn, participate, and lead. As an active member of his school’s TUSEME Club, he was passionate about advocating for positive change — yet every lesson, discussion, and interaction presented a daily challenge.
Recognizing his determination and untapped potential, his teachers reached out to FAWE Kenya in March 2025. Responding quickly, FAWE Kenya partnered with the Kenya Society for Deaf Children (KSDC) to provide Enock with life-changing hearing aids.
The impact was immediate. For the first time, Enock could clearly hear his teachers’ voices, participate confidently in classroom discussions, and enjoy conversations with his classmates. Learning was no longer a struggle — it became an opportunity to grow, contribute, and excel.
With renewed confidence, Enock reclaimed his leadership role in the TUSEME Club, where he continues to inspire fellow learners by speaking up for inclusion, equality, and the rights of every child.
“Enock’s journey reminds us that every learner has the potential to thrive when given the right support. Inclusive education is not only about access — it is about ensuring every child is seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.”
Stella Nafula
Imarisha Msichana Scholar | St. Austin’s Kingoandole Secondary School, Busia County
At just 20 years old, Stella Nafula has already overcome challenges that many people would struggle to face in a lifetime. A teenage mother and the third-born in a family of five, Stella grew up in a household burdened by poverty, where paying school fees was often impossible. Raised primarily by her grandmother, she frequently missed classes because she was sent home for unpaid fees.
Life became even more difficult when Stella gave birth to her son. With no one available to help care for him, she was forced to leave school for a year. “I missed school so much, but I had to stay home and take care of my son,” Stella recalls.
A turning point came when one of her teachers told her about a scholarship opportunity. Months later, after returning to school in Form Three, Stella received life-changing news — she had been selected to join the Imarisha Msichana Scholars Programme implemented by FAWE Kenya.
“I was overjoyed. I could hardly eat that day because I was so excited. I could not wait to go home and share the news with my grandmother and family.”
For Stella, the scholarship represented much more than financial support — it restored her confidence and proved that a young mother’s dreams are not beyond reach. “I am grateful that FAWE Kenya chose me. This opportunity has changed my life and given me hope for the future.”
Claire Wambui Njuguna
Mechatronic Engineer | STEM Advocate | FAWE Kenya Alumna
A simple nickname in primary school changed the course of Claire Wambui Njuguna’s life. Her science teacher began calling her “Engineer” after noticing her curiosity and passion for science. What started as encouragement soon became a dream she was determined to achieve.
While studying at Alliance Girls’ High School, Claire immersed herself in science and innovation. Through the Science Congress Club, she designed and built prototypes that strengthened her confidence. A study visit to China in 2015 exposed her to cutting-edge robotics and technology, inspiring her to contribute to Kenya’s future through innovation.
Determined to solve real-world challenges, Claire developed the Instantaneous Vehicle Headlights Dimmer, an innovation aimed at reducing road accidents caused by blinding headlights. When FAWE Kenya organized a national science competition for girls’ secondary schools, Claire entered and emerged as the Second-Best National Innovator, earning the opportunity to represent Kenya at the Regional Science and Mathematics Fair in Lusaka, Zambia — where she was crowned the Overall Regional Winner.
“That moment validated years of hard work. It taught me that failure is often preparation for something greater,” she says.
Today, Claire is an engineer in Kenya’s clean energy sector working on Direct Air Carbon Capture technology, and she mentors young learners as a STEM competitions judge. “I am grateful to FAWE Kenya for creating a platform that gave me the confidence to dream bigger. Their support continues to inspire my efforts to mentor the next generation of innovators and changemakers in STEM.”
Voices from the Field
Teacher Perspective
Hesbon Mokua
Teacher | TUSEME Club Patron | Lorngosua Senior School, Kajiado County
When Hesbon Mokua began teaching, he expected to inspire learners in the classroom. What he did not expect was to witness girls’ dreams cut short by child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and school dropout.
While teaching at Sajiloni Girls Secondary School, he met girls whose ambitions disappeared almost overnight not because they lacked ability, but because they faced barriers beyond their control.
“These were not just statistics. They were girls sitting in my classroom with bright dreams whose voices were silenced by culture, poverty, and fear.”
Determined to make a difference, Hesbon became actively involved in guidance and counselling, supporting learners even before it became part of his official responsibilities.
Everything changed when he attended a FAWE Kenya training on the TUSEME Model and Gender-Responsive Pedagogy.
“That training didn’t just teach me; it awakened me.”
Armed with new knowledge and practical tools, Hesbon established a TUSEME Club at Lorngosua Senior School, creating a safe space where girls could speak out, build confidence, and develop leadership skills.
Through FAWE Kenya’s programmes, including Break Free! and Imarisha Msichana, learners began challenging harmful social norms, reporting abuse, and advocating for their rights.
One learner’s story remains especially close to his heart.
After being forced into a teenage marriage, Precious Tumbere fled her home seeking safety. Despite enormous challenges, her school continued to support her education while FAWE Kenya, through the Imarisha Msichana Programme, secured sponsorship that enabled her to remain in school and pursue her education.
For Hesbon, this was proof that coordinated support can change a child’s future.
“Young people are not the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today, if only we give them the chance.”
The impact extended beyond the classroom. Boys became allies in promoting girls’ rights. Parents began engaging in conversations about girls’ education. Menstrual health became a topic of dignity rather than shame, and school attendance improved as girls received the support they needed to stay in school.
Hesbon’s own journey also evolved. Today, he serves as Head of Guidance and Counselling and Teacher-in-Charge of School Partnerships at Lorngosua Senior School. Through FAWE Kenya, he has participated in national advocacy forums, engaged with policymakers, contributed to media discussions, and continues to champion children’s rights through initiatives such as To Zero, in partnership with Raising Voices.
“FAWE Kenya did not just train me; they awakened a movement within me. The mentorship, exposure, and opportunities I received proved that one passionate teacher, supported by the right partners, can spark transformation that touches hundreds of lives.”
Youth Champion
Waruguru Muriithi
Youth Champion | Break Free Alliance Programme
Youth advocacy is more than a role, it is a journey of empowerment, resilience, and impact. For Waruguru Muriithi, a passionate Gender Justice advocate, her path under FAWE Kenya’s Break Free Alliance Programme has been transformative.
Since joining in 2021, Waruguru has gained opportunities that shaped her career and strengthened her commitment to advancing the rights of girls, young women, and children.
A turning point came in 2024 when she trained in Resource Mobilization, a skill vital in today’s civil society. This positioned her competitively in the job market and helped secure her current role, where she contributes not only passion but practical fundraising expertise.
Another highlight was representing Kenya at the 27th CSO Forum in Lesotho, where she joined regional child-rights actors to advance youth participation and protection. This reflected FAWE Kenya’s intentional and inclusive approach to empowering young advocates.
Waruguru also thrived in strong youth networks, collaborating on community activities, workshops, and digital advocacy spaces such as X Spaces and Instagram Lives. Together, they tackled topics like Gender-Based Violence, Sexual Reproductive Health Rights, and youth leadership.
These experiences expanded her perspective on collective action and strengthened her advocacy skills. FAWE Kenya’s investment in youth through skills, opportunities, and platforms ensured her voice was not only heard but valued.
“My journey under the Break Free Programme Alliance is a testament to what is possible when youth are meaningfully included, empowered, and trusted. I remain deeply grateful to FAWE Kenya, for walking with me every step of the way and for shaping my growth as a leader, advocate, and professional committed to driving positive change within my community and beyond”.