This week, we shine a light on the inspiring story of Neema, a determined 19-year-old girl from Kilifi who has faced significant challenges in her educational journey. Neema comes from a family of seven. Her father is elderly and ailing, and her mother left the family during a period of severe poverty and illness. As a result, the children were left to fend for themselves, struggling to meet their most basic needs such as food, education, and shelter. In these difficult circumstances, some of Neema’s siblings were forced into early marriages in a bid to escape the harsh realities at home.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, Neema's dream of education has been rekindled through the support of the Learn! Foundation where she has been able to continue with her high school education and she is expected to graduate in November 2025. This marks a remarkable milestone not just for Neema, but for her entire family—what once seemed like an unattainable goal is now within reach.
Beyond tuition support, Neema receives assistance with personal essentials and school supplies, making her stay at school more comfortable and focused. Her story is particularly extraordinary because she also bears the emotional and moral responsibility of supporting her younger siblings back home.
Neema’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of education and community support.
