On November 26th, Neema held a graduation ceremony, attended by all of our students, their guardians, the Neema staff, and members of the community. Winnie, our Program Director, wrote these words about the day:

November is my favorite month at Neema. Because on the last Friday of the month, third years get to graduate in a usually pompous ceremony. Why do we make a big deal about it? Because most of our girls have not been able to complete 8th grade. And if they did, they did not go to high school. And if they did go to high school, they did not complete high school. Maybe they dropped out because they got pregnant, or they became orphaned, or their parents or guardians did not have money for tuition and school fees. These girls may have never held a certificate of accomplishment in their life. And the chances of them getting into college where they can wear a gown and have family celebrate them are next to nil.

So when the girls complete three years, having sat and passed the Grades I, II, and III National Industrial Training Authority Exams (NITA), we go all out to celebrate them. We make their favorite meal and invite family and friends. They wear graduation gowns and we ceremoniously commission them, giving them each a certificate, a sewing machine, fabric, and other gifts. The guardians also bring gifts if they are able.

This 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.

Our counselors realized that this could be one of the reasons girls look for love and validation in other places. So, we set out to do group and individual counselling sessions for the guardians. We teach parenting and include the importance of expressing love through words. To see that this is bearing fruit brought us so much joy, and I found myself crying. Not just at the fact that fathers were able to publicly say such sweet and kind things to their girls, but also that our girls are going back to healthier and safer environments where they are loved and appreciated, and in turn, are able to love and appreciate others as well, including their own children. That way, they have a better chance of thriving outside of Neema.