I learnt how to read and write early on. I was a top student since I was child. My motivations were directly impacted by my circumstances at some point. I wanted to prove the world that I could do it, that my circumstances could not define the rest of my life. I wanted to impress my mother and make something of myself while at it.
When I joined what would be my first permanent primary school, I knew I had to outsmart every child in my class. How else would I cope with my situation at home, education was my key to unlocking any doors including the imaginary ones in my head. So, I read every opportunity I got. I never carried homework home, simply because we did not have electricity and there was never enough paraffin to read late at night. I remember vividly my mum asking us on most nights to head to bed at 8pm so we could save some paraffin for the next day. So, taking homework home was out of question.
School gave me hope, a hope that there was a future to look forward to. I read all the books in our little library and there was none that I hadn’t put my hands on, when I was done, I spent time mastering words in the English dictionary.
When I was in class four, I had already learnt GCD and LCM that was taught in class 5, our math’s teacher also taught class five students. I remember her taking me to her lesson to explain to class five students how to go about it as well as say loudly say the whole multiplication table. She wanted me to challenge them out of a comfort zone. I read all the stories in English and Kiswahili textbooks, I always read a year ahead and would have nothing to look forward to the next year since I would be done with those already. I loved long passages and writing compositions, they allowed me my wildest imaginations.
My teachers saw my potential, they believed in me and pushed me harder. One time my English teacher told me that I was the hope for my family, words that weighed heavily on me and ushered me to adulthood eventually. When I was in class 8, and with just a year to graduate primary school, one of my teachers mentioned Starehe Girls Centre, a school that was investing in the education of bright students from vulnerable backgrounds. I was ecstatic, I had to get to this school. The requirements felt unattainable, you had to get certain grades and fill a form that required the village chief, pastor and teachers to ascertain of your financial situation. That year was a marathon that set pace for the rest of my life.
Starehe Girls Centre was the school I never knew I needed; I met brilliant girls from across the country. They were all full of ambition. Being here was the best thing that happened, I honed my leadership skills, attended Kenya music festivals for all the four years and experimented with joining clubs such as Junior achievers, home science club, drama club among others.
For my university education, a scholarship by the Global Give Back Circle was a gamechanger for me. This was a fully funded 4-year scholarship that shaped my early adulthood. Linda, the founder of the organization is a champion for women empowerment. She gave us the world by investing in our education, life skills training and mentorship. I remember attending workshops that included: financial literacy, reproductive and sexual health, etiquette, communication, job searching etc. These workshops shaped my perspective around the different topics that were covered and prepared me to be a confident young woman who could advocate for herself, plan her finances, knock on doors that would pave way for me, and connect with women who have had an impact in my life. The program was holistic and thorough!
It was while in this program I also was matched with a mentor. This incredible woman poured into me, she gave me fresh perspective of the world, encouraged me to pursue my dreams, affirmed me and gave me a listening ear. Mentorship shaped my adulthood, and I am truly grateful.
I am the sum total of investing in a little girl, and I believe we all should invest in girls!
How can we invest in girls?
Investing in girls has shown to be a worthy investment, one that impacts generations. An educated girl someday becomes an educated woman who can find meaningful employment, she will take care of her needs, those of her family and in one way of or the other, find ways to pay it forward to her community. Here are ways you can invest in girls.
- Mentorship
Every young woman deserves to see the world through the eyes of someone who has experience. Mentoring young girls helps raise a generation of confident young women who are informed of the world around them, be it in politics, sexual reproductive health, communication, finances, relationships etc. Mentorship knows no bounds as there are things to unlock daily.
- Educate them
Every little girl deserves a chance at a quality and holistic education regardless of their background. While working with girls in West Pokot Kenya, I realized just how much education meant for the girls. It was a key to better lives for them, it saved them from early marriages, helped them escape the realities of Female Genital Mutilation and pursue their dreams.
- Give them a voice.
Girls’ voices matter! We need to give girls the platform to be heard. Involve them in decision making from the grassroot levels. Including girls, means they can participate in decision making to accelerate progress in the areas that affect them directly.
Conclusion
Investing in girls is empowering their dreams and helping them unlock their potential. Every time I reflect on my journey, and the investment others risked and especially the women who poured into my life, I am amazed at just how transformative this has been for me, my family and my community.
Looking back, if no one had invested in me, I would not have been empowered enough to get out of the cycle of poverty that engulfed my childhood, nor been in a position to eventually empower my community in the ways I have done.
I am the sum total of people investing in a little girl and I am grateful that people saw the value of doing so.
Thanks for reading
XOXO
