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Breaking Barriers: Girls’ Journey to Education with Twende Pamoja

At Team Kenya, we believe in the power of education to unlock potential and transform lives. Through our Twende Pamoja programme, young women in Ndhiwa have been able to overcome significant challenges and pursue their dreams. In this blog, we share the inspiring journeys of Joan, Loice, and Hafsa—three remarkable young women who have not only excelled in their education but are now using their knowledge and experience to create lasting change in their communities.

Joan’s Path to Purpose: A Journey into Medical Science

Early Dreams, Financial Barriers

Growing up within a large family facing financial challenges, Joan’s dreams of higher education seemed out of reach. However, her journey changed when she became a beneficiary of the Twende Pamoja, which provided continuous support throughout her education, from primary school all the way to university.

Building a Foundation in Primary School

At the primary level, the financial assistance from Twende Pamoja allowed Joan to focus on her studies without the burden of school fees, uniforms, and learning materials. This support ignited her passion for science and laid the foundation for her future studies. As she moved on to secondary school, the organisation’s financial support remained, covering essential items like textbooks, uniforms, and upkeep, which allowed her to excel academically and develop her passion for science.

Pursuing a Degree Against the Odds

When Joan reached university, the financial strain was even greater. But once again, Twende Pamoja stepped in, helping with tuition, accommodation, and lab fees. This support was crucial in enabling Joan to focus on her coursework and hands-on laboratory training, which ultimately led to her success in earning a degree in medical laboratory science.

A Journey to Reflect On

In January 2025, Joan received the results of her board exams and was officially licensed as a medical laboratory scientist. Reflecting on her journey, Joan credits the unwavering support of long term donors Vivien and Jamie, for making her dreams a reality. She is now committed to giving back to her community by volunteering and using her skills to help others.

Loice’s Journey: From Hardship to Higher Education

A Challenging Start

Before the support of Twende Pamoja, Loice, and her family faced severe financial challenges and food insecurity. To make matters worse, Loice struggled with jiggers, which severely affected her ability to attend school and lead a normal life. Her future seemed uncertain, but everything changed when she received the transformative support of Twende Pamoja.

A Turning Point

Through the support of Twende Pamoja, Loice’s health began to improve, giving her the opportunity to regain her health, self-esteem, and confidence. Loice was able to return to school and focus on her education. The support extended beyond medical care to provide her family with three nutritious meals a day, alleviating stress and fostering a sense of security. This stability allowed Loice to excel in school and pursue her dreams with some security and confidence.

Academic Achievements

With the encouragement and support from Twende Pamoja, Loice’s academic journey took off. She sat her KCPE exams and passed with flying colours, earning the opportunity to join St. Mary’s Nyamogo Girls Secondary School. After two years, Loice transferred to St. Albert Girls Secondary School, where she completed her KCSE exams successfully. Her hard work continued to pay off, and Loice went on to enrol at the Technical University of Mombasa, pursuing a Bachelor of Technology in Applied Physics (Electronics and Instrumentation). In December 2024, Loice graduated, achieving a significant milestone in her academic journey.

A Future with Purpose

Loice’s success story would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Vivien and Jamie, who believed in her potential and the transformation impact of Twende Pamoja. As Loice looks back on her journey, she is deeply grateful for the support that allowed her to gain an education and open new doors for her future.
Her story has also become a beacon of hope for others in her community, as Loice is determined to use her education and experiences to give back. Inspired by the generosity she received, she aspires to motivate other young women to believe in themselves, work diligently, and pursue their goals and future aspirations.

Looking Ahead

In early 2025, Loice received an invitation to participate in a six-month internship starting in February. This is a significant step in her career, and she looks forward to gaining valuable practical experience that will further shape her future.

Hafsa’s Rise: From Primary School to Engineering Dreams

Learning to Overcome Challenges

Hafsa’s story began at Ndhiwa Township Primary School, where she first received assistance from Twende Pamoja. Through their girl support group, Hafsa gained valuable life skills and participated in the football for empowerment program (FFE), which brought together girls to share their challenges and learn how to overcome them.

Pursuing a Diploma in Engineering

As Hafsa moved on to high school at Ojode Pala Secondary School, Twende Pamoja continued to provide crucial support. Their financial assistance and mentorship allowed her to focus on her studies without the burden of financial stress. This support extended into her higher education journey when Hafsa enrolled at Eldoret Polytechnic to pursue a Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

A Determined Voice for Her Community

Hafsa is now committed to giving back to the community, inspired by the support she received from Twende Pamoja. She looks forward to making a positive impact, just as Twende Pamoja has made in her life. Through their financial help, mentorship, and belief in her potential, Hafsa has become a stronger, more determined individual, ready to help others in her community to thrive.

Summary

Shaping Futures, Strengthening Communities

These stories highlight more than individual success—they reflect the wider impact of long-term investment in girls’ education. Joan, Loice, and Hafsa are powerful examples of what’s possible when barriers are broken, opportunities are provided, and girls are empowered to lead their own futures. As they move forward in their careers and give back to their communities, their journeys continue to inspire others and strengthen the movement for education, equality, and sustainable development in Ndhiwa.