Empowering Girls Through Mentorship and Back-to-School Initiatives

As schools reopen across the country, thousands of girls are returning to class with renewed hope and determination,thanks to targeted mentorship and back-to-school programs led by communities organizations and passionate individuals.

In many parts of Kenya,especially in informal settlements and rural areas, girls face numerous barriers to education—including poverty, early pregnancy,gender-based violence and limited access to mentorship. These challenges not only affect their academic performance but also their self-esteem and future opportunities.

To address this,community-based organizations and schools have launched mentorship programs that pair girls with strong female role models. These mentors guide,encourage and support girls in navigating personal and academic challenges. Through regular sessions workshops and one-on-one talks the girls gain confidence,life skills and the motivation to stay in school and pursue their dreams.

The back-to-school campaigns complement this by providing essentials such as school fees support,uniforms,sanitary towels and learning materials. These efforts remove the financial burden on families and help ensure that no girl is left behind simply because of her background or circumstances.

One such initiative recently held in Mathare brought together girls from different schools, mentors, and community leaders for a day of learning,sharing and inspiration. Topics covered included menstrual hygiene, goal setting, mental health, and resilience.

“Mentorship gave me someone to talk to and believe in me,” said 15-year-old Aisha,a beneficiary“Now I want to become a teacher so I can help other girls too.”

As we celebrate the progress made, there’s still more to be done. Sustained investment in girls’ education and mentorship is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and building more inclusive communities. Every girl deserves the chance to learn,grow and lead.