Embu County, nearly 400 teen mothers are set to resume their education in January 2025, thanks to full scholarships provided by the office of Woman Representative Pamela Njoki. The scholarships are part of a program called “Restored Hope,” funded by the National Government Affirmative Fund (NGAAF), aimed at empowering young mothers who had previously dropped out of school due to early pregnancies.
The scholarships, which were officially launched by Njoki on Tuesday in Siakago Girls High School, will see the first cohort of beneficiaries resume their studies starting this January, while a second cohort will follow in January 2025. Njoki expressed her confidence that the initiative would help these young women achieve their educational and life goals, despite the challenges they have faced.
“This program is a restoration of hope for the many young girls whose education was cut short by early pregnancies,” Njoki said. She further added that upon completion of their studies, the beneficiaries will also receive support to start small businesses, providing them with the necessary startup capital to secure their financial independence.
In addition to the “Restored Hope” initiative, Njoki also launched a parallel program for young men in Embu County who have faced financial barriers in continuing their post-secondary education. The Boy Child Short Course Program will offer vocational training opportunities, with a partnership established with Achievers College of Professionals in Embu to offer technical courses at subsidized rates.
Evelyne Mwende, 20, who had to drop out of school in 2019 due to financial constraints and later got married, is one of the beneficiaries of the “Restored Hope” initiative. “I am heading to Form Four this January, and I am happy my education dream was restored,” she said.
As the new school year begins, the girls were provided with sanitary towels and cash for personal effects, ensuring they are well-prepared for their return to school. This scholarship initiative brings hope and new opportunities to these young mothers, marking a significant step toward their empowerment and future success.
