Our students are remarkable young women. Most come to Neema from extremely vulnerable situations and have experienced poverty, rejection, and abuse. But they are strong and determined, grateful for the opportunity to point their lives in a new direction.

First-Year Students

Students start their life at Neema in early January. They all receive an annual check-up to identify any underlying medical issues, and together with their children, they receive ongoing medical care during the year.

Students start their skills training program with an emphasis on both theory and practice. Third-year students make the first-year students’ uniforms, which they are very excited to receive. In December, first-year students take their first national dressmaking certification exam.

Each young woman receives her own Bible that she’ll keep after she graduates. Certified instructors teach the Alpha Discipleship Course, a key pillar of our discipleship program. In the Young Peacemaker Course, students are introduced to handling conflicts in a constructive and biblically faithful manner.

Our counselors meet with the students on a regular and on-demand basis to help them cope and heal from past trauma. Students also start to study livelihood and social skills that will help them with their life after graduation.

Our chef also teaches the benefits of nutrition and some easy recipes for the students to make.

The grandmother of one of our students shared, “Last year, I saw some girls walking with confidence, and I asked: Whose daughters are those? And I was told they are Neema’s. And I asked myself: Could I one day see my granddaughter who has low self-esteem have such self-assurance? And here we are. I am so hopeful for this girl’s future now. I brought my granddaughter to Neema because of the good reputation this organization has in the community. I am 84, but I can't wait to see what God has in store.”

Second-Year Students

Students are excited to come back to Neema after a three-week break! They start their second year of the skills training program continuing to focus on theory and practice. They pursue the acquisition of national certifications by taking the mid-level NITA exam. Once third-year students graduate in November, second-year students move to our shop where they start interacting with customers and making repairs.

Our counselors meet with the students on a regular and on-demand basis to help them cope and heal from past trauma.

Second-year students have an opportunity to review and deepen their understanding of Scripture through the Alpha program. Students are introduced to a series which covers the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and James. Then they study the lives of women in the Bible.

Students continue to learn livelihood and social skills, as well as effective nutrition and cooking skills.

"I am so happy because my father forgave me and accepted me back as his daughter. When I went home with the school uniform, he could not believe I was studying, and he promised to keep my son and provide everything for him. This makes me feel so happy and free in the heart knowing that I am accepted once again.” - A second-year student

Third-Year Students

Third-year students continue their skills training with an emphasis on real practice by interning at the Neema shop. They hone their tailoring and dressmaking skills. They also sell some of the products they make at local markets and save part of the sales proceeds to purchase a sewing machine upon graduation. Students work with our Business Skills Development Mentor on their professional project post-Neema. Guest professionals come to teach special workshops (e.g. leather bag making, design, etc.) to broaden our students’ skills. Third-year students take the highest level NITA exam and are responsible for designing and creating outfits for our annual Fashion Show. Thanks to their internship earnings, sometimes supplemented by their guardians, third-year students receive a sewing machine upon graduation.

Our counselors meet with the students on a regular and on-demand basis to help them cope and heal from past trauma. Our counselors conduct home visits with guardians to discuss how they will support their girl upon graduation.

Third-year students study leadership from a biblical perspective which prepares them for life outside of Neema and how to positively impact those around them. They also have an opportunity to further deepen their understanding of the Alpha program.

"Through the counseling and morning devotions, I have been able to trust in God with the troubles of my family which used to stress me so much, especially whenever I would remember that my mother has no food to feed the family. I am looking forward to finding a job so that I can help my mother with things at home. That would be my dream come true." - A third-year student

Neema alumni

Alumni participate in workshops organized by Neema throughout the year. This is both a networking and skills building opportunity. Neema’s staff visit alumni regularly to check on their progress, provide additional support, and encourage them in their professional development.

Alumni are asked to participate in our annual Fashion Show by making signature pieces of their own. They’re also asked to come and talk to students about their experience after Neema. They become inspirations for current students and a network to rely on after graduation.

Our counselors are available to conduct individual counseling sessions in person or by phone with alumni to help them as they face new challenges in their life outside of Neema.

On Her Family

“I am always moved by how my daughter is working hard, and even during these difficult times. She tries her best to take care of her kids and even me. I am so happy that our relationship is restored and even stronger than before. I am a proud mother.”

- Iddah’s mother

“Neema saved me from a lot of shame during Covid. I was so embarrassed that my children were home and I had nothing to offer. Our family only had one meal a day. I didn’t know how we were going to survive. Then one day, Neema called to say they'd come the next day. I thought they were just coming to see my daughter but they arrived with food! They came the following month and the month after that. They have no idea how much the food helped us.”

- Brenda’s father

On Her Community

“Iddah is considerate, shows affection in all that she does, and I am so impressed with the way she treats customers. Iddah is a God-send, and I admire her closeness with God. I thank Neema for instilling good virtues in her, and my prayer is that God would continue using Neema to change and give hope to girls like Iddah.”

- Iddah’s boss

“I am just really impressed by the level of impact at Neema! Your program is holistic, and I especially love that you send your girls out with a means of livelihood — a sewing machine and some fabric to start off. How awesome is that?”

- Carol Sudi, Neema’s Chaplain

You can help empower vulnerable young women in rural Kenya today!

Fight gender inequality in rural Kenya by helping these young women and their children break out of extreme poverty!

Visit our YouTube page to see testimonial videos of some of our past students.