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FROM SELLING SUGARCANE TO SEWING SUCCESS

Cynthia, a teenager from Lisuka Beach in Kisumu West, Kenya, had her world turned upside down when she became a young mother. At 19, she had already completed secondary school but saw her dreams of furthering her education slip away as she took on the responsibility of raising her baby. With no stable income, she resorted to selling sugarcane by the roadside to make ends meet. Lisuka Beach is a lovely yet economically disadvantaged fishing village situated along the shores of Lake Victoria in Kisumu West, Kenya. Known for its fishing activity, breath-taking sunsets, and close-knit community, the village reflects both the beauty and the challenges of lakeside life. While the surrounding waters teem with fish, many families here struggle with poverty, limited access to education, and an overreliance on informal livelihoods, leaving young mothers like Cynthia vulnerable to cycles of hardship.

"Life was tough," Cynthia recalls. "Sometimes I’d sell sugarcane all day and only make enough for porridge. I felt stuck, like my dreams were on hold forever. I had a child to care for, and yet I had nothing to give. It broke me."

Her parents watched helplessly as their bright, ambitious daughter struggled to find her footing. "We knew she was capable of so much more," her mother said. "But how could we help when even we were struggling?" Cynthia’s story reflects the broader plight of thousands of teenage mothers in the Kisumu and Homa Bay counties, where poverty, limited education, and gender-based violence compound the challenges faced by young girls.

In September 2023, Cynthia’s life took a sharp turn when she was enrolled in the Economic Integration of Teenage Mothers project. She joined the Perfect Ladies group in Lisuka Beach, a community of teenage mothers supporting one another, and was referred to Akili STEM Academy to pursue tailoring.

From day one, Cynthia was determined. "The first thing I learned was saving," she says with a laugh. "Before the program, I couldn’t even save for salt! But now, every shilling counted. I even saved enough to pay for my fare to school every day. I never missed a single class!"

The program provided psychosocial support, sensitizations on Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Reproductive Health, and financial literacy and entrepreneurship training. For the first time in years, Cynthia felt hopeful.

"I finally had something to wake up for, something that was just mine," she says. "Plus, the other ladies were amazing. We laughed, cried, and encouraged each other. It felt like a family."

On her graduation day, Cynthia was the picture of pride and joy. Dressed in a cap and gown, adorned with garlands of shiny decorations, she beamed as her name was called. Her father held back tears as he proudly handed her the certificate, while her mother and siblings clapped enthusiastically.

"Cynthia has made us proud," her father said with a smile. "She’s shown us that determination and opportunity can change everything. Now we call her 'Madam Tailor' in the house!"

For Cynthia, the day was surreal. "I still can’t believe I’m here," she said during her speech, wiping tears from her eyes. "Just last year, I was selling sugarcane. Today, I’m a graduate, and tomorrow, I’ll be running my own tailoring shop. Who would’ve thought?" She added with a laugh, "Though I’m worried – my siblings are already asking for free clothes. Business is business!"

The savings culture Cynthia learned during the program also continues to impact her life. "I’ve already started putting aside money for my baby’s education," she says proudly. "And my dream is to grow my business enough to teach other teenage mothers. If I can do it, so can they."

Her mother shared how much the program changed not just Cynthia but their entire family. "Before, she was so quiet, so defeated," she said. "Now, she’s vibrant, full of ideas, and planning for the future. We used to worry if she would ever smile again. Now, she’s unstoppable." Her father chimed in humorously, "At this rate, she might start charging us for tailoring services. But it’s okay – we’ll pay if it means supporting her dreams!"

Cynthia’s journey is a testament to the power of opportunity, resilience, and community. Through the Economic Integration of Teenage Mothers project, she found not just a skill but a purpose. She is now poised to build a stable future for herself and her child, inspiring countless other young mothers in her community.

In addition to tailoring, Cynthia learned about her rights as a woman, gaining critical knowledge in handling issues of gender-based violence (GBV).

"Before this program, I didn’t know I had rights or that I could stand up for myself," Cynthia shared. "But with the empowerment sessions, I’ve learned my worth. I’m no longer afraid or susceptible to GBV because now I know how to protect myself and seek help. This program didn’t just change my circumstances; it changed how I see myself."

In her graduation speech, Cynthia also expressed heartfelt gratitude:

"I want to thank HEDSO for enrolling me in this life-changing program, for the support through the sessions, and for linking me to school. I’ve learned so much, not just tailoring but also about saving and believing in myself. This has transformed my life, and I’ll forever be grateful."

The pilot project, which concluded in June 2024, has demonstrated tremendous impact, but there is still much more to be done. HEDSO is now seeking additional support to upscale this initiative and reach more teenage mothers.

"This program has shown the incredible difference we can make when we invest in young mothers," said Joseph Ojuki, Executive Director of HEDSO. "We’re appealing to partners, donors, and well-wishers to help us expand and sustain this initiative. With your support, we can empower many more girls to rewrite their stories and create better futures for themselves and their children."

Transform Lives Like Cynthia’s – Support HEDSO’s Economic Integration Project!

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Mic Tyson
December 01, 2024