Earlier this week Neema celebrated the graduation of nine young women! It was a colorful day full of joy and excitement. Over 350 attended, including guardians, members of the local community, children, and Neema staff and students.

First and second-year students performed a special song dedicated to the graduates, thanking them for the wonderful time they had together, telling them how much they’ll be missed, and wishing them well as they enter their next stage in life.

Graduates, dressed in traditional caps and gowns, shared how Neema impacted them and expressed their gratitude to their staff, Grace Partners, guardians, and peers who’ve encouraged them.

Then staff issued the certificates to the graduates, a moment of joy for young women who had felt like higher education was closed to them. The graduate also received hugs, garlands, and special gifts, notably the sewing machines, needles, fabric and thread that each young woman will need to put her education to work.

Then, like many graduation parties everywhere, everyone celebrated together with a slice of cake and a dance party!

These students have come so far and we celebrate their growth and transformation. One new graduate shared:

I am deeply thankful that I joined Neema, because it has not only transformed my life but also helped reconcile my family, which was falling apart. My parents no longer fight … the way they used to, and our home is now filled with understanding and peace. Through Neema, I have become a person I never imagined I could be. I once struggled with very low self-esteem and constant self-doubt, but today I am a confident designer who believes in herself. Neema truly changed my destiny at a time when I had completely lost hope. I am especially grateful that I now see a bright future ahead of me.

We're so proud of these young women. This class began at our old campus and helped move into the new one. They helped pioneer our new certificate programs in catering and agribusiness. Their friendships are strong and we are filled with hope as we anticipate their next steps. As Neema alums, these young women will always be an integral part of the Neema family; Eunice, Neema’s Business Skills Development coach, will visit them regularly and invite them to workshops to help them continue thriving in this next phase of their lives.

*While the class of 2025 was a cohort of 11, two students who helped pilot Neema’s new Catering program will stay at Neema another year so they can go further in their field and earn a higher certificate. They’ll graduate with the Class of 2026.

Graduation Day