Ruth has a very special connection to Neema—she was once a student. As a former student, Ruth knows better than most the positive impact Neema can have on the young women that go through Neema. Life growing up was not easy for Ruth. Neither of her parents had a job, and they had to do casual work in order to support their family. Ruth went to school until eighth grade, but she was unable to do her final exams as they could no longer afford school fees.
Read MoreI had never been to Africa, although I had a desire. Well, God decided it was time. From the very first time I heard about Neema I had a burning desire to go. I had never been on a mission trip and was concerned with how I could contribute. When I was told that all that was required was a true interest and compassion for these girls, I knew I could do that.
Read MoreIn Kenya, while public schools are technically free, families still bear the burden of costs for textbooks, uniforms, lunch, and other fees. For families surviving on less than $2 a day, these expenses are impossible. And when children attend school, they are unable to contribute to the family income, making it even harder for families living in extreme poverty to justify sending a child to school.
Read MoreNow families are equipped with permaculture education to start small-scale businesses that boost household income and improve their children's futures. From their new crops, families are improving nutrition, generating income from selling extra produce, and cutting expenses on produce. This not only alleviates food insecurity, but also empowers families to send their children to school. When families can afford to pay school fees, children will access a higher education level that can empower them out of poverty.
Read MoreNeema isn’t just about education — it’s about finding new life in Christ. Young women discover love, forgiveness, and a path to a brighter future — one built on a foundation of faith and the unwavering support of a caring community.
Read MoreAt the crack of dawn, girls like Naomi fetch water from communal wells, tend to crops in the fields, and prepare for their trek to school. But growing up as a girl in rural Kenya requires resilience.
Read MoreWe feel extremely grateful that 153 people from 12 countries supported Neema’s Solidarity Stomp this past weekend, and took a stand for young women in Kenya. We are extremely grateful for this show of support! Thanks to YOU, our students and their children will continue to access life transformative medical care. See below to see photos from this year’s virtual run!
Read More“We wanted Lilian to join Neema because we were not able to get her through education,” says Francis, Lilian’s father. “[My wife] Leah became very sick [last year], and [Lilian’s sister was already] ahead of her in school, so the financial strain made us decide to send Lilian to Neema instead of traditional school.”
After completing eighth grade of traditional school, Lilian had no choice but to drop out—with a total of six children and her mother unable to work, it was not feasible for the family to pay for school supplies to keep each child in school.
Read MoreWith nine children under their roof, Ruth and Faith's family relies on casual work to put food on the table. Allowing their daughters to be at a school is a sacrifice for them since the girls can’t bring in additional income by doing casual labor. But after three years at Neema, their skills in tailoring and permaculture farming will be critical to provide for their parents and siblings.
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