“I asked myself, ‘Why can’t I change my own future?’” — Yvonne's Story

Yvonne and her daughter

Yvonne didn’t believe in herself at first. Yvonne is one of seven children. Her father is physically disabled, and although her mother tries to provide, the family lives in extreme material poverty. Wanting to contribute, Yvonne dropped out of school to look for odd jobs. Then she became a mother at just 17, but her boyfriend abandoned them; and her daughter was sickly. Parenting felt overwhelming, yet another burden to shoulder. 

It seemed like Yvonne’s options were limited by forces beyond her control. Still, this life offered a kind of freedom. And returning to school at Neema meant learning to trust others, trust the process, and trust herself. 

“I almost dropped out of [Neema]…Since I had stayed at home for a year, I forgot that every institution is governed by rules and laws. At first I found it very difficult to adjust.” 

Yvonne spent the first year holding back, protecting herself from disappointment. Then, with prayer and encouragement from Neema’s counselors, she had a breakthrough. 

Yvonne reads to her daughter during her first year at Neema

“I asked myself I have no future of my own, and am not able to provide for myself, and even the father of my child rejected me…why can’t I change my own future? From that day I really got focused…That was my turning point of making my life better for a greater future.”

Now Yvonne is in her final year at Neema, preparing for two additional national certifications in dressmaking. She cherishes her daughter (who is thriving at Neema) and glows to think of her future: 

“I feel proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m ready to keep moving forward…I’m happier, more peaceful, and I’m finally in a place where I can give both my studies and my child the care they deserve.”

We’re proud of Yvonne—and every young woman at Neema—for the work she is doing heal, learn, and transform her future.

Yvonne at Neema’s fashion show in 2025.