Elizabeth Akinyi is a vibrant 25-year-old young woman and a CONNECT DREAMS beneficiary. She currently lives in Umoja Estate, Nairobi, and is the second-born in a family of 6 children living with her parents.
Her journey began after dropping out of the second year of high school (Form 2). Her parents could not afford to pay her school fees due to financial constraints as they were both unemployed. Elizabeth remained out of school for several years. When the opportunity presented itself, she decided to join college instead of returning to high school, as she had spent such an extended period away. She wished to pursue a course in building and construction, but could not afford the school fees.
In 2021, Elizabeth heard about the DREAMS Project through word of mouth from a friend who recommended she enroll and described how it empowers girls and young women. After visiting the DREAMS Kiambiu site office, she was eligible and enrolled in the project. She received the primary interventions, including HIV testing and treatment services, family planning, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention, Pre- and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP), entrepreneurship, SHUGA, and Social Asset Building (SAB) sessions to gain life skills accompanied by her assigned mentor.
As part of the Economic Strengthening package of services, DREAMS offers vocational training to young women aged 18 years and above. Elizabeth chose to pursue a course in Hairdressing and Beauty at the Diamond Vision Institute in Buruburu Estate. After graduation from the course, she was retained under an attachment at the front office desk of the institute’s salon.
Since August 2021, Elizabeth has been working as a cashier and bookkeeper at the M-PESA Agent Outlet located within the institute. She also assists at the salon with hairdressing. Her monthly income of KES 11,000 (plus commissions) goes towards her upkeep, and supporting her family with food and rent.
“Elizabeth was a good student. I chose her for an attachment because of the potential I saw in her. She has since been promoted and has sat for her National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) exams. She’s responsible, a good manager and bookkeeper, and has developed and polished her skills.” Wairimu, the owner of Diamond Vision Institute, says.
“I am grateful to DREAMS for everything I have learned while in the project. Because of the support I received, I have returned to school, completed my training, and sat for my NITA exams. I am no longer idle at home. My dream is to open a large salon where I can train and help other DREAMS girls like me.” She says.
Elizabeth is also currently in a youth savings and loan association group with two other DREAMS girls working in the salon. Together, they save KES 4,000 per month.
“Not all my classmates who we joined the college completed their courses, some of them dropped out. Instead of idling in the community, I encourage them to go back to school since the college fee is fully sponsored by the CONNECT DREAMS Project. If I dropped out, my situation would never have changed. Thank you to DREAMS and the donors for changing my life.” She concludes.
