Maria’s Story of Transformation
Maria* is the youngest child in her family and grew up in a tumultuous home environment. Her parents were separated and her father was not a safe presence in the home.
Maria was still a young teenager when she discovered she was pregnant. Her pregnancy unfortunately meant the end of school; without reliable support from the baby's father or her family, the idea of continuing education while raising a baby seemed impossible.
“I could not even solve my own problems,” she remembers of life at this time, saying she felt that she was in despair.
It was at this time in her life that she heard about Neema’s program for young women — including teenage mothers. At Neema, Maria began working through her shame and pain, found peace in her role as a mother, and ultimately fell in love with her daughter.
She said, “I am happy because my child is well taken care of and eats so well. I used to regret giving birth, but [I now] love my child. I see hope in life.”
Maria’s healing journey was beginning and she felt that she could see the light at the end of the tunnel once again.
But then she got news that the father of her child was with another woman. Even though she was moving forward and focused on her education at Neema, the news was a blow. Maria says, “It broke me deeply. Although it hurt, I accepted it. Looking back, I’m so grateful that Neema didn’t give up on me during those early years.”
In counseling sessions, she was encouraged to stay in school and not give up. The counselors supported her and acknowledged the strength it was taking to overcome such a difficult experience. They shared with her that growth comes when we not only go through challenging experiences, but also learn from them.
During these three years, Maria grew emotionally and gained skills that will set her up for independence and give her a path out of poverty.
She also grew spiritually, digging into Scripture, learning from Neema’s chaplain, and praying daily with her classmates. She now has the tools needed for a safe and secure life, and has also gained hope and purpose in life. Maria says,
“Spiritually, I have learned about God, and the teaching has helped me love God and pray every day.”
This was a crucial season in her life, and her decisions at that time became the foundation of the kind of life she wants to build for herself and her daughter.
Maria says, “Being here has helped me see more clearly. I’ve grown, matured, and learned so much. I understand the importance of focusing on my future [and have] made the decision to build my skills because that’s what will truly make a difference in my life—not a man, like I once believed. I am so hopeful that by the time I leave Neema, I will walk out as a stronger, wiser, and more empowered version of myself.”
And this is where Maria is today.
In just a couple of weeks, she will be wearing a cap and gown, and receiving a certificate of graduation. She is now completing her third year where she interned at the Neema shop and took the highest level national dressmaking exam.
She said, “I am enjoying my experience of going to the shop since I have got an opportunity to practically relate with customers in a business environment and exercise what I have learned in class about effective communication and business skills.”
After graduating, Maria plans to begin working using her sewing machine and starter kit from Neema. Once she saves enough, she’d like to open her own workshop: “My goal is to expand my business [to be a] fashion designer.” She also will send her daughter to school and intends to support her mother as well as her daughter, providing for all three women without needing to rely on others who might not be safe company. She and her mother have always been close, and her mother is incredibly proud of her daughter’s achievement.
We celebrate Maria's resilience and transformation. We look forward to continuing to follow her journey as she connects with our alumni workshops and continues to be a force of restoration and growth in her community.
To support other young women like Maria who are beginning their journey at Neema, donate today!
*Pseudonym used for anonymity.