From a young age, Amie Mukeku was deeply moved by the challenges children—especially girls face due to lack of access to books and quality education. She believed that, despite her age, she could make a difference by creating safe spaces where children could access learning resources. With a strong conviction that education is a powerful tool for transformation, she embarked on a journey to establish community libraries, determined to bridge the literacy gap for the less fortunate. Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s saying, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Amie believes that by empowering children with resources to learn, she can shape a brighter future for her community.
In 2024, Amie’s vision had grown even bolder. She partnered with HOPE worldwide Kenya to establish the first library within a community center in Mathare’s informal settlement, where a combination HIV prevention project dubbed ‘DREAMS’ is implemented, focusing on adolescent girls and young women (10-24 years). As she stood before a group of thirty eager girls, she felt the weight of her mission more than ever. Handing them the donated books, she spoke with unwavering conviction, telling them that education is the beginning of change. She urged them to believe in themselves, to dream beyond their circumstances, and to seize every opportunity to learn. “Put education first,” she told them passionately. “It will open doors you never imagined possible.”
With warmth and determination, she reminded them of Gandhi’s timeless words: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” She knew that these girls had the potential to rise above their challenges.
Amie firmly believes that even the smallest steps can create waves of transformation. She is more determined than ever to continue her relentless advocacy for girl education and literacy, inspiring young people to embrace the power of knowledge. Through her work, she is determined transform countless lives of young people in Kenya and globally.
