One thing I have observed and loved is that all the girls not only want to make it but also want to help other girls who might be going through things that they have experienced. [One of our recent graduates, Lydia, even acquired work—making masks—for the third year students interning in our Neema shop].
Read MoreNeema is the fresh scent of water to these girls, and I am just privileged to be part of the watering system to enhance the nurturing, and hence, renewal of hope. The uniqueness of this project never ceases to awe me. How in the world does a young woman, after going through tough life situations, receive a second chance by getting life skills training while her child is a few meters away receiving much needed care by dedicated staff?
Read MoreSee our brand NEW short film featuring graduates, Ann, Faith, and Lydia by a local videographer in Kenya.
When a student drops out, shock and disbelief are the first feelings to arise. You are in denial, hoping to come to work the following morning and still find them there. After that, you try bargaining, looking for ways to bring them back. But when you realize that they are indeed gone, guilt and discouragement overwhelm you. You wonder whether you failed them, whether or not you did all you could, whether or not you nurtured their strengths and helped them in their weaknesses. Once you realize you did do these things, anger sets in, because you feel like they’ve trampled on your love for them.
Read MoreAs a young teenager, Rahab insulted her grandmother who was very hurt by the incident, especially because Rahab never apologized. Fast forward many years, and now Rahab is being discipled at Neema. “Rahab and her sister Elizabeth joined Neema in 2020. The two are the most brilliant in their class, but despite this, something was pulling Rahab back.”
In January 2021, we did the ALPHA discipleship course. It includes teachings on Who is the Holy Spirit? and What Does the Holy Spirit Do? It also teaches about forgiveness, and after the study, Rahab approached one of our Neema counselors and requested a sit down.
Read MoreDespite all these barriers, girls and women hold incredible potential. We believe that each one is valuable. She has opinions that should be listened to. She has ideas that can change her family.
Read MoreAs our 30 new and returning students settle into life at Neema, our prayer is that they’d know beyond all doubt that they’re loved, especially as they begin processing and healing from past wounds and building trusting relationships. Third-year student Jentrix says, "I have learned to stay with people while at Neema. I used to rarely share with others and lived in isolation. But I have learned to smile from Neema and I am so excited that God has changed me so much - I feel completely different."
Read MoreThe way to address poverty, unwanted pregnancies, being orphaned, unpaid labor, alcoholism, and other everyday problems and abuses in rural Kenya is more than just helping survivors. It’s addressing emotional health.
Read MoreIn April, Kenyans cried: If Covid-19 doesn’t kill us, hunger will. But because of Neema, that is not the reality for the young women in our program and their families. And for that we are super grateful.
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