We met Christine as a bright young woman who had been married shortly after she finished high school. She welcomed us into her home to complete the Ustawi Survey and develop her Life Map, in hopes increasing her awareness of the multiple dimensions of life. At first, she identified practical steps to increasing the stability of her household, including gaining access to credit and attaining insurance. However, further conversation revealed more about her character, described by Ustawi Mentor Samson Nyikuri as “a story of paused dreams and hidden aspirations”. Christine explained that she dreamed of returning to education to finish college. This quiet but firm desire became the centerpiece of her journey moving forward.
Christine’s Ustawi Facilitator took steps to engage her husband, Joseph, in meaningful conversations about her aspirations. He was moved by her ambition and together they took quick action to make her goals possible; they completed the following steps to support her return to education:
- Began looking into colleges and courses
- Opened a dedicated savings fund for her education
- Tightened their expenses and budgeted to start saving their household income
Their united shift in focus represents their deeper commitment to long-term transformation and collective flourishing.
Christine is now enrolled in a medical training college in Thika, just outside of Nairobi. She is close to completing her studies and is on a path to financial independence and professional identity. Other young women in the Mashuuru community have been inspired by Christine’s ambition to revisit their own education goals, and her resolve to return to school and complete her education has allowed her household to shift from a place of vulnerability to one of opportunity and growth.
What’s next?
Our Ustawi Mentorship team will continue to support Christine and Joseph in financial literacy, including growing their savings. When Christine finishes her studies, we plan to support her transition into the workforce.
Your donations could support Christine in her education and future career.
