“When I asked Mercy what makes her happy,” says our counselor, “she said the day Neema took her up with all her mistakes together with her child. She felt blessed and loved again even when she thought she had lost all in life.”

Mercy graduating from Neema in 2021. She said, “I am doing well, and I am happy that I am going to graduate next week.”

Mercy is the last born of six children. Her father is a farmer and casual laborer, and her mother stays home to care of the children and grandchildren. Mercy attended traditional school until 9th grade but had to drop out when she became pregnant. After finding out she was expecting, her father was unwilling to pay for the necessary school supplies and uniform needed for her to continue on with her education, and so, Mercy struggled to find direction for her life. Her child, Shirleen, was born, and two years later she was pregnant again. She then discovered her third pregnancy just after joining Neema in 2017.

Looking back on that season she says, “At first it had been tough for me because when I first joined Neema in 2017, I found out that I was pregnant. I was devastated because I knew I could no longer continue with my studies, and I thought my life had come to an end. But I went home, delivered safely, and I came back later in 2019 to continue with my studies. I want to thank Neema for honoring their promise on that.“

Mercy found a home at Neema, and in 2021 she completed out three-year program. Just before graduating, her daughter Terry turned three years old. Listen to Mercy share how Terry changed her life:

Mercy and Terry in 2019

Terry at Neema in 2021

Terry with other children at Neema in 2021

In rural Kenya, many families live in extreme poverty, making less than $2/day. Most girls drop out of school by 8th grade and teen pregnancy rates are high. Women are not empowered to make their own choices and many experience violence.

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“My first year was a bit tough because the environment was new, but with time, I socialized and found friends. The staff loved me and my daughter, and they have made our stay smooth. I want to thank Neema for giving me this opportunity to train in skills.”

“I am grateful because I have learned how to sew, how to relate with others, how to manage conflict, and how to control my own emotions. I have learned about taking care of myself and loving myself. I will respect my body and use the skills I have gained to get money to take care of myself and my children.”

Mercy in front of the Neema shop in 2021 during her third year. In this last year at Neema, students complete an internship at our shop.

"Before I came to Neema, I was a Christian, but I didn’t have a solid foundation. I didn’t have the discipline of individual prayer or Bible study. At Neema, I have grown in my faith. I have learned who Jesus is [and] why he came ... Even when I leave Neema, I will still stand because now I have roots in God’s word."

“Neema accepted [my daughter Terry] as well as me. If there was no chance for Terry, there wouldn't be a chance for me either because I couldn't be here without her.”

“I have been able to give her genuine love that a mother can give to her child because I have received healing through the counseling sessions. She has made me into a better person. My desire is to see her have a better life than I have had. I would like her to go to a good school, go to university, and be successful. I don't want her to suffer like I have—that is, before coming to Neema.”

Terry, says, “Napenda mama yangu kwa sababu ananinunulia biscuits na ananibeba. (I love my mom because she buys me biscuits, and she carries me).”

Currently, Mercy is employed and working hard at a shop near Neema called the Kitale Wool Shop. Her three children, Shirleen, Shantel, and Terry are 8, 7, and 4 years old respectively.