Lydia came from an unstable family living in abject poverty and was brought up by her stepfather. Because of an eye problem and financial constraints, she dropped out of school in 7th grade and got into an early marriage. But a few months later, her husband died in a road accident, so Lydia went to Nairobi to work as house help. Unfortunately while there, she was overworked and underpaid, and she would often end up sleeping on an empty stomach. These challenges once again pushed her into a relationship, and she got pregnant. But the man she was with denied responsibility, and Lydia was forced to return home.

However, “God answers the desires of our hearts,” she says. (Ps 37:4)

Lydia heard about Neema, interviewed when her baby girl was just three months old, and joined the program. At 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.

During her third year, Lydia interned at the Neema Shop, sat for the National Dressmaking Exam, and before graduating in 2019, secured a tailoring job at the Kitale Wool Shop. She started paying her own rent, helped to support her family, and began saving. And after working for only 15 months, she started her own business! 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.

“I came to Neema for the skills—to help in my future,” she says. “Now that I’ve finished, I want to grow business-wise and teach others.”

Just recently, she shared, “I got a mask order through the Red Cross but had too many, so I asked the Neema shop to help.” Lydia has even helped the third year students at our Neema shop learn how to make new products.

Reflecting on her time at Neema, Lydia says, “Counseling was my favorite part. I was not on good terms with my parents because I had a biological dad and a step-dad, so it wasn’t easy for me. But with the help of counseling, I was able to move away and be at peace with it. Before Neema, I didn’t know about God and had lost hope. I didn’t know how to pray. But now I pray on my own. In discipleship, I learned how to study the Bible. I’m even able to guide other young women—when I see someone’s going on the wrong path, I can correct her.”

Because of the income from her business, Lydia’s three children are able to go to school. She can pay the school uniform fees, pay rent for their home, and even help out her parents financially. And six months ago, Lydia got married. Her husband works as a boda boda driver (motorcycle taxi) and lives with her and her children.

The mark of a student who completes Neema’s program is that she is thriving professionally, emotionally, and spiritually, and also, that she desires to contribute back to the community she came from. It’s such an honor to witness these young women transition from receiving direction and love to then offering that love back to others!

Be sure to watch Lydia share her story in the second half of this video:

Lydia: Empowered to Forgive and Provide for Others