Nafisa’s Journey from Refugee to Leader.

On this International Day of the Girl Child, FCA Kenya, in partnership with WUSC (World University Service of Canada), celebrates the inspiring journey of Nafisa Ahmed, a girl whose resilience and determination embody the power of investing in girls’ education and leaderships.

Nafisa’s life took a dramatic turn when war erupted in her home region of Kadugulu, Sudan. At just six years old, she was separated from her mother in the chaos of fleeing conflict. Taken in by her uncle, Nafisa embarked on a journey to safety, first to Uganda and later to Kenya. In Uganda, her family of 23 struggled to survive, with Nafisa’s uncle working tirelessly to provide for everyone. When their situation became too difficult to manage, Nafisa’s uncle returned to Sudan, and Nafisa relocated with her uncle’s wife and cousins to Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp.

Life in Kakuma brought new challenges. With a family size that eventually grew to 34, Nafisa’s household faced severe food shortages, often surviving on a single meal each day. Basic needs like healthcare, clean water, and school supplies were difficult to access, and her family relied heavily on aid. Despite these hardships, Nafisa was determined to continue her education and enrolled at Settlement Primary School in Kalobeyei village in 2016. Although her daily life was filled with responsibilities at home, from caring for her younger cousins to managing household chores, Nafisa held onto her dream of finishing school and creating a better future for herself

By 2021, Nafisa had progressed to Bright Star Secondary School, a significant achievement given the obstacles she had faced. However, she encountered new pressures from her community to leave school, marry, and relieve some of her family’s burdens. Nafisa was often caught between her responsibilities at home and her commitment to education. Each morning, she would wake up early to prepare her cousins for school, and by the time she completed her own chores, she often arrived late to her classes. These pressures led Nafisa to consider giving up on school, and at her lowest point, she struggled with feelings of despair.

Her life took a positive turn, with the support of the Power to Girls program, which is part of the Learning through Education and Access to Skills for Employment Project LEAP project run by FCA Kenya, Nafisa found the strength to persevere, she received life skills training, emotional support, and financial assistance through the Cash Transfer Program. This support allowed her to purchase school essentials like uniforms and books, as well as provide food for her family. With renewed stability, Nafisa could finally focus on her studies and her future.

Empowered by the resources and guidance she received, Nafisa excelled. She not only stayed in school but emerged as a leader, becoming the first female president of her school’s student council. Today, Nafisa is a role model for other girls, showing them the importance of perseverance and the possibilities that education can unlock. Her journey demonstrates that, with the right support, girls can overcome even the most challenging circumstances and become powerful agents of change in their communities.

Nafisa with her Power to Girls and Guidance and Counseling focal Point teacher in school

Celebrating the Impact of Partnership!

Our collaboration with WUSC is essential in empowering girls like Nafisa to thrive. Together, FCA Kenya and WUSC are expanding access to education, life skills, and leadership opportunities for girls facing immense barriers. On this International Day of the Girl Child, we reaffirm our shared mission to invest in girls’ futures, knowing that each empowered girl represents a step toward a brighter, more inclusive world.

Article By: Faith Yegon

Photo By: Cylus Kadurenge

Celebrating Transformative Power of Teaching on World Teachers’ Day 2024

On World Teachers’ Day, we pause to honor and celebrate the dedicated educators who play a crucial role in shaping the future by transforming lives through the power of education. Teachers inspire, guide, and uplift their students, often going beyond the call of duty to ensure that each child receives the knowledge and support they need to succeed.

One such educator is Elisha Masita Nyakweba a teacher at Brightstar Secondary School, in Kalobeyei Settlement, Turkana County. He shares his journey and passion for teaching, providing a heartfelt glimpse into the life of a teacher. “Growing up in a family of teachers, I witnessed firsthand how education can change lives. Their commitment to their students and the positive influence they had on their communities inspired me to become a teacher myself.” he recalls. This early exposure to the life-changing power of education fueled his desire to follow in their footsteps, with a focus on making a difference in the lives of young people.

Mr. Elisha at his office at Brightstar Secondary School, Kalobeyei Settlement in Turkana County.

Elisha highlights the joy of seeing students connect classroom lessons to real-life applications as one of the most memorable and fulfilling moments in his career. He recalls a standout moment when his students surprised him by applying a concept, they had learned in class to solve a real-world problem. For him, witnessing the tangible impact of his teachings in the students’ lives is one of the greatest rewards.

The challenges teachers face is not insignificant, but Elisha approaches them with resilience and optimism. He views every challenge as an opportunity for growth, whether it’s related to student engagement or adapting to curriculum changes. This positive mindset not only helps him become a better educator but also instills a culture of perseverance and growth in his students.

Beyond academic instruction, teachers play a critical role in shaping the values that students carry with them throughout their lives. “Education instills values like empathy, respect, and responsibility, which are essential for building harmonious communities. It helps individuals understand different perspectives and promote social cohesion,” he explains, emphasizing the far-reaching impact of teaching beyond the classroom.

“To me World Teachers’ Day represents a celebration of the spirit of teaching in the face of adversity. Every lesson we teach and every moment of compassion we show has the potential to transform lives and inspire hope,” he says.

On this World Teachers’ Day, let us celebrate the teachers who dedicate their lives to education, who inspire their students to reach for their dreams, and who lay the foundation for a brighter tomorrow. Through their unwavering commitment, they continue to be the beacons of hope, nurturing the minds and hearts of future generations.

Happy World Teachers’ Day to all the educators who make a difference every day!

Article By Faith Yegon

Photo by Geoffery Kyalo