Mentoring young women and mothers in Kenya
Concerning the economy Kenya is the driving force in East Africa and in
recent years has developed at an above-average rate compared with other
African countries. Nevertheless, even today about one third of the
population lives in extreme poverty. Particularly often affected are
young girls and women who - due to social inequality, school dropouts
and pregnancies at a young age - are getting caught into a spiral of
poverty at a young age.
When our project manager and trained midwife Herine recognized this, she
decided to become active via her initiative Chanua Msichana (in English:
enlightenment of a girl) and to accompany as many women as possible on
their way to a more self-determined life.
"I teach and counsel girls and young mothers in slums and villages about family planning and marriage, (health) education and childbirth and motivate them to go back to school."
Herine's work is very important: currently the situation has become worse and the number of abortions that are not done by doctors has increased, often leading to complications and even deaths after the abortion. And Herine's work is having a strong impact:
"So far, I've helped share information and knowledge, and have actually helped a significant number of teenage mothers go back to school; some others have even started their own small businesses."
The whole waali team is very impressed by Herine's commitment and persistence and is very happy to support the initiative in the long term. Thus, waali regularly finances Herine's courses.
"I teach and counsel girls and young mothers in slums and villages about family planning and marriage, (health) education and childbirth and motivate them to go back to school."
Herine's work is very important: currently the situation has become worse and the number of abortions that are not done by doctors has increased, often leading to complications and even deaths after the abortion. And Herine's work is having a strong impact:
"So far, I've helped share information and knowledge, and have actually helped a significant number of teenage mothers go back to school; some others have even started their own small businesses."
The whole waali team is very impressed by Herine's commitment and persistence and is very happy to support the initiative in the long term. Thus, waali regularly finances Herine's courses.