In Kinna Ward, nestled within Isiolo County, the Yumna GIRL group flourishes amidst a backdrop of adversity. Comprising 24 resilient young women, their journeys have been fraught with challenges emblematic of the harsh realities of their environment: drought-induced famine, impoverished nutrition, early pregnancies, forced marriages, and the abandonment of education due to familial obligations and financial constraints.
At the heart of their story lies a beacon of hope: a program tailored to uplift out-of-school girls, nurturing their life skills, fortifying their personal agency, and fostering social bonds. This initiative, known as PRIME safe spaces, endeavors to guide these young women towards sustainable pathways, be it in entrepreneurship, vocational training, or livelihood pursuits, ensuring safety and suitability every step of the way.
In January 2023, amidst the arid terrain, a transformative event unfolded. A community mobilization and awareness session convened within the precincts of the chief’s office, beckoning the local populace to rally behind the cause of empowering adolescent and young girls in the parched expanses of Arid and Semi-Arid regions. Anticipation hung thick in the air as the gathering awaited the commencement of the enrollment process. Each participant, bearing the weight of her own trials and triumphs, stood poised on the threshold of possibility. Some arrived accompanied by their children, injecting the ambiance with youthful exuberance as the children frolicked around. Shortly after the meeting, Yumna Group of an out-of-school girls aged 18-24 years was formed in Kinna Village in Kinna Ward.
Impact of the GIRL program in economic empowerment and education.
Through a mentorship initiative spearheaded by Mercy Corps in collaboration with MIDP, a local organization in Isiolo, a transformative journey unfolds for adolescent and young mothers. This comprehensive safe space mentorship program, aimed at nurturing their growth and development, imparts invaluable lessons on various facets of life. the group delves into the realm of entrepreneurship and financial literacy, igniting a spark of initiative within them. the group started small savings to start-up small businesses an income generating activities with their group savings, they started a poultry project on improved indigenous chicken breeds. Their accumulated savings were utilized to construct a poultry house costing KS 30,000 and purchase 100 chicks at KS 300 each, when they are one month old. Responsibilities for caring for the poultry are divided among the group members, with two individuals assigned to morning and evening duties each day, following a poultry disease outbreak and floods in December last year, leading to losses of 50 chicks. Leaving the group with 30 chickens, which are now laying eggs and have produced 18 chicks.
I have started a small kiosk in the village now I am able to support my family. Since I dropped out of school because of some challenges. But these Mentorship program opened my eyes and encouraged me that I can do much even if I didn’t complete by education. The program gave us trainings on business skills and gave me the opportunity to join3 months henna course despite the situation-one of the members ‘’Fatuma said’’.
As the group progresses, each member charts her own path to prosperity and opted for different transition pathways: 2 enrolled for vocational training courses while 15 started petty trade in kiosks, selling clothes, grocery, utensils, accessories, and livestock business. Where they were supported by previous mentorship program by Mercy before they were transitioned to PRIME.
Linking and transitioning the participants to PRIME program, the participants are expected to gain age-appropriate knowledge and skills related to reproductive health (i.e., menstrual hygiene, pre- and post-natal care, nutrition, handwashing, disease prevention and gender-based violence).
The project is a coaching and mentoring programming that provides adolescent and young mother with educational and life skills training relating to reproductive health and gender-based violence with the goal of giving hope to teen mothers who struggle with life.
The group dreams of expanding their farm and spread their business in the village, seeing a future full of opportunities. Through coaching and mentoring, they gain skills and confidence, paving the way for better lives for themselves and their families.
