Gladys's Story

Gladys is one of Neema’s Weekend Matrons and also a Childcare Worker. As a matron, she works to assure the young women are healthy and doing their work throughout the day. As a childcare worker, Gladys makes sure the children are cared for during the day while their mothers are in class. Gladys shares, “as a mother of girls, I liked working closely with the girls, to give them encouragement and teach them good morals to make them better in [the] future and also earn a living.” Gladys herself has found an income from Neema—one that allows her to support her husband, her four children, her mother, and her husband’s parents. 

Gladys plays with some of the children at Neema while their mothers are in the classroom.

“My hope is to see Neema become an examination centre, introduce hairdressing as a course, and acquire our own food at the farm.”

Gladys completed Form 4 (Grade 12) at Cherangani High School, now known as St. Marks, and she loved it. She enjoyed school, and though she could not go further because her family lacked school fees, she would have kept going if she had the opportunity. Unfortunately, Gladys’ mother had to struggle to cater to their needs and pay their school fees after Gladys’ father passed away when she was ten. 

Gladys has the example of her high school matron to follow now that she’s a matron herself. Her high school matron had them wake up early, study hard, and organized them for prayers. As a matron at Neema, Gladys now teaches the students similar principles. She also has experience as a dorm prefect. While in school, Gladys was appointed a dorm prefect where she acquired the skills to lead other girls well. She shares that it was here she learned to relate to others and perform her duties accordingly. Gladys also shares that she “gained experience, learned respect, unity, and hard work,” from her past job as a sub-coordinator staff in the Office of Adult Education in Lodwar, Kenya.  

“Hope and self-esteem are important because one can be able to make the right decision in her life. It can also make one achieve the best in life.”

Gladys desires the best life for the students at Neema. She wants to see them leave Neema and thrive with the skills they’ve gained, the knowledge they’ve learned, and the relationships they have with God.

Gladys says that her relationship with Christ has allowed her to stand firm and be faithful to his word. She explains that the impact of her faith has had a large impact on her life. Through her faith she is able to teach the word of God in morning devotion, evening devotion, and in prayer with the students.