At 16, I was struggling to survive. Today, I run a businness and take my child to school. I chose not to give up and I am proud of how far I have come.-Janet Akumu
Before: A Childhood Interrupted
At Just 16years old, Janet Akumu’s life took an unexpected turn.
She was a student in a local secondary school when she became pregnant. What followed next, was not just a personal challenge but the weight of stigma, judgement and difficult choices.
Unable to continue with school, Janet dropped out.
At home, the situation was already strained. With a child to care for and no stable support system, she had no option but to fend for herself and her baby.
To survive Janet took up any work she could find. She worked as a “Mama fua” (Casual domestic worker), earning as little as KES 100 a day and sometimes only food as payment.
She was still a child, now raising one.
The Turning Point: Finding a Second Chance
Janet heard about Baridi Kwa Baridi through a friend and made a decision that would change her life.
When she joined the programme under the Child Domestic Workers (CDW) project, she carried more than just hope, she carried responsibility.
One of her biggest concern was her baby.
But the organization stepped in.
A nanny was provided to take care of her child alongside other young mothers.
Nutritional support including tea and porridge was offered .
She was enrolled in hairdressing training through apprenticeship with mentorship support
She was trained in entreprenuership and financial literacy skills
She recieved Psychosocial support from our staff counsellor
She was given the chance to interact with other children during the Day Of the African Events .
Despite living far away- walking nearly 90 minutes each day, Janet Showed up.
Every single day. Eager. Focused. Determined.
The Breakthrough: Choosing a Different Future
After completing her 3 months training, she graduated and recieved a starter up kit including a blow dry machine- a simple tool that became the foundation of her new life.
After: Building a life of Dignity
Janet started small.
She began working from home and offered mobile salon services relying on word of mouth and refferals to grow her client base. Slowly, her hustle began to pay off.
Today, Janet:
Has relocated to a new village where she co-owns a salon business.
Earns a steady income from her work
Has confidence in negotiating for her worth
Invested in pig farming as an additional source of income
Supports her household independently including paying for her child school fees.
A Ripple Effect of Hope
Today, Janet is more than a beneficiary.
She is a symbol of resilience and a reminder to other young girls that their circumstances do not have to define their future. Hey story continues to inspire others within the programme to stay committed, dream bigger and believe in change.
Janet ‘s Journey reflects the broader impact of community based empoweremnet. Her story shows that when boys and girls are given :
The right skills
Consistent Mentorship
Economic support
Psychosocial support
They can transition from vulnerability to independence and leadership
Our Committment
At Baridi Kwa BaridiWomen CBO, We remain committed to ensuring that no child is left behind, regardless of their circumstances. Because every child deserves not just to survive….
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