Tragedy struck Metrine’s family when she was only a child, and growing up in rural Kenya, she faced extreme poverty on a daily basis. But when she was a teenager, Metrine joined Neema, and today she says, “Neema is a symbol of hope. I learned how to pray and be patient through everything in life.”
Read MoreAt the age of sixteen, Susan had to drop out of school because living in extreme material poverty left her parents unable to pay for the necessary school supplies and uniform. Her father is polygamous and lives with his first wife and children.
Read MoreDue to lack of school fees, I had to drop out of school in the year 2009 when I was in seventh grade. During that time my mother got very sick, and my father was not around… I received the good news from Neema that I was among those who were selected. I remembered that I cried tears of joy and gave thanks to God because he had just answered my prayer.
Read MoreJust a few weeks ago, Florence was crowned Miss Neema 2022 at our annual Fashion Show. And today, she’s preparing to take her highest national dressmaking certification exam before graduating. "I now believe that truly God cannot forget his children. I cannot believe that he has made me who I am today,” Florence says. But life did not always look so bright.
Read More"It was eye-opening to see how different things are done within the same industry. I realized that I can make more money than I thought if I work more on my craft." - Jentrix, 2021 graduate
Read More"I have peace in my heart even when I know things at home are not so well. But I asked God to give my heart peace because I am tired of worrying all the time. I decided to trust him with everything so that I am able to focus."
Read MoreBut because of one young woman healing from past trauma, getting educated, and learning a trade, she’s able to support her family and help those in the same generation get the formal education she missed out on, an education that will hopefully have multiplying returns in the future.
Read MoreThis year, we gave time to each guardian to say something to their girl as she graduated. It was the most emotional time for me that day: To hear fathers and mothers tell their daughters that they are proud of them and that they love them. Especially that part. You see, in this culture here in Kitale, it is not common for a parent to tell their child that they love them. Love is shown in other ways but not usually expressed in touch or words.
Read MoreAt Neema, she received counseling and was able to forgive herself and others who had hurt her. She was a hard worker in class and says she was able to concentrate because her heart was now free… Lydia now supports herself, her kids, and her parents, and when she gets lots of work, she hires other Neema alumni to work for her! She currently even has employees and is also actively involved in her church and prays regularly. Lydia says she’s found new hope and vision since being at Neema.
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