Molinter Akinyi is a 21-year-old hard-working young woman. She lives in Kiambiu informal settlements with her single mother and 2 younger siblings.
Before joining the CONNECT DREAMS Project, Molinter’s had lost hope of ever achieving her dreams. Although her mother owns a tailoring shop, the income from the business was low and inconsistent. There were days when porridge was the only meal her family could afford.
Molinter was idling at home as her mother could not afford to take her to school. She had become desperate to find employment to support her family and was looking for opportunities to go abroad and work in Saudi Arabia.
At this time, a CONNECT DREAMS enumerator who was going door-to-door identifying eligible beneficiaries in the project came across Molinter. She was sent to the Kiambiu site office, where she was enrolled in the project. As a project participant, she received the primary interventions, including behavior change intervention like SHUGA and life skills training, as well as improved her skills in financial capability and entrepreneurship. She also received HIV testing and treatment services, information on family planning, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Pre and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) among other services.
Once she completed the primary services, she chose to pursue a fully-sponsored certificate course in Food & Beverage at the Kenya Christian Industrial Training Institute (KCITI) as part of the economic strengthening package of services provided by the project.
“I chose to pursue a course in Food & Beverage due to my passion for cooking. I had dreamt of one day being like the chefs I see on TV.” She says.
Due to her interest in the course, Molinter was focused and dedicated during her training and was on time for every class, which she never missed. She emerged top of her class at graduation. Her dedication was noticed by the KCITI College Administration, who proceeded to offer her two years contract as a teacher and a fully paid scholarship to pursue a Diploma in Food and Beverage Production.
Molinter earns KES 8,000 monthly, which she uses to support her family and herself. She assists her mother in meeting the household needs of the family and occasionally helps with rent.
“When I was idling at home, my mother was stressed and worried due to what happens in our community to vulnerable girls who are at home with nothing to do. My mother is now very happy, and so am I.” She says.
Her dream for the future is to rise up the ranks to a position as a manager at KCITI College. She encourages other DREAMS girls to work hard and not lose hope.
“Thank you for this opportunity. Before the CONNECT DREAMS Project, I didn’t even know KCITI College existed. Now, I have the opportunity to work and go to school here, all because of the support I have received.” She concludes.
