From 2nd to 6th December 2024, Wema Health Foundation organized a transformative Girls’ Mentorship Retreat in Imbirikani Ward, Kajiado County. The week-long event brought together 285 adolescent girls from Kajiado, Migori, and Busia counties to engage in mentorship sessions, self-discovery exercises, and critical conversations around education, health, and empowerment. Held at P.C.E.A Girls Secondary School, the retreat provided a safe, supportive space where girls explored their aspirations, gained life skills, and developed the confidence needed to navigate adolescence and beyond. This initiative aimed to ignite purpose, nurture leadership, and challenge the cultural and socio-economic barriers that threaten the potential of girls in marginalized communities.

The retreat attracted a diverse group of stakeholders from the health and education sectors. These included representatives from the Kajiado County Government, the Ministry of Health, BigLife Foundation, Hope Beyond Foundation, Nice Place Foundation, and other local organizations. Additionally, healthcare providers from both Kenya and the USA, along with private sector representatives, contributed to the initiative. The retreat was also featured one of the local TV station, Kajido TV and widely shared on WEMA and other social media platforms.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Samson Saigilu, Director of the Department of Health in Kajiado County, expressed gratitude to Wema Health Foundation for spearheading efforts to empower girls in the region. He acknowledged the challenges girls face—challenges that threaten their education and overall well-being—and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between stakeholders in the health and education sectors to address these issues. The opening session also featured a virtual presentation by Wema’s founder, Leah Wandera, who joined from the USA to share insights on the organization’s impact.

Identifying Challenges: The “Giants” in the Lives of Girls from Imbirikani

The first facilitator, a mental wellness coach, initiated a session by asking the girls to identify the “giants”—challenges they face in their lives. Among the 60 responses collected, the most common struggles included the lack of school fees. One girl wrote, “I am unable to collect my high school certificate because I have outstanding fees of 43,000 Kenya shillings.”

Other major challenges highlighted were family conflicts, FGM, and academic difficulties, particularly in STEM subjects. One participant expressed frustration, stating, “Math and science are not friendly subjects.”

Additionally, poverty, lack of basic necessities such as food and soap, and inadequate school infrastructure were significant concerns. Early marriage and teenage pregnancies also emerged as pressing issues, alongside emotional struggles such as peer pressure and mental health challenges. One girl revealed, “Sometimes I feel overwhelmed emotionally and have suicidal thoughts.” Health-related concerns, including menstrual cramps and substance abuse, were also raised.

Sarah Naisoi, a community health advocate and facilitator, emphasized the role of education in breaking cycles of poverty and harmful traditional practices. “Education is the key to unlocking endless opportunities. When a girl is educated, she can uplift her family and community,” she passionately stated.

SPICES and SHAPE of Life: Personal Development and Visioning Exercise

The girls participated in an exercise introducing the concepts of SHAPE (Spirituality, Heartset, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences) and SPICES (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social well-being). These frameworks guided them in self-discovery, emotional wellness, inner healing, and purpose clarity.

They also created vision boards outlining their 10-year goals, helping them navigate the critical “decade of decisions,” which includes major life choices such as career and marriage. The evening concluded with games, group discussions, and an emotional healing session.

On the next day, Dr. Elizabeth Makous, a physical therapist specializing in female reproductive health from the USA, delivered an informative session on self-awareness and reproductive health. Using illustrations, she effectively engaged the girls and made the discussion impactful. Following Dr. Makous’ session, local facilitators continued discussions on topics such as girls’ education, early pregnancy, early child marriage (ECM), FGM, school dropout rates, and poverty.

Later in the evening, an online session was held with Dr. Lisa Hanson from the USA, who spoke to the girls about career exploration. She encouraged them to prioritize education before starting families and to work hard in their academic pursuits. When asked why she supports girls’ and women’s initiatives, she responded, “We need more women in leadership roles, healthcare, and government. Supporting girls’ education ensures this vision becomes a reality.”

Ensuring Menstrual Health for a Year of Uninterrupted Learning

On the final day of the retreat, a significant milestone was achieved as the girls received sanitary towels and other hygiene essentials, providing them with support for up to 12 months.  With generous grant support from the Kowloon Union Church, Hong Kong, Wema managed to issue these supplies which are more than just basic necessities—they are a lifeline, ensuring that no girl has to miss school due to her period. By addressing menstrual health, the initiative empowers girls to focus on their education without barriers caused by inadequate menstrual care.

As the camp sessions ended, the girls expressed gratitude and a renewed commitment to their education, personal growth and improved awareness on the negative impacts of FGM. They were encouraged to become mentors themselves, sharing the knowledge gained with their peers and family members. Community leaders present during the closing session pledged continued support for initiatives that empower young girls and advocate against harmful cultural practices.

Exploring Amboseli: A Rewarding Adventure for Wema Scholars

As part of their empowerment journey, the girls who had completed their four-year Wema scholarship were treated to an unforgettable experience—a visit to Amboseli National Park on the sixth day of the retreat. A total of 16 girls, 10 from Migori and 6 from Busia, embarked on this exciting adventure, marking a well-deserved celebration of their academic milestones. For many, it was their first time seeing these magnificent animals up close, reinforcing the idea that the world is vast, full of possibilities, and theirs to explore.