Elimu Dada - Educating Underage Moms
Goal: Creating a more equitable society where every teen mother has the opportunity to thrive.
Background of the Project
Education is a fundamental right, a powerful equalizer, and a key tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. However, for many young mothers in Kenya, early pregnancies disrupt their education, leaving them with limited opportunities for growth and independence. They face profound challenges such as societal stigma, financial barriers, lack of childcare, and inadequate support systems that prevent them from reclaiming their dreams.
In response, the Kenyan government introduced the School Re-entry Policy for Girls in 1994, further reinforced by the National Guidelines for School Re-entry in 2020, to ensure young mothers can return to school after childbirth. Despite these policies, challenges persist in their effective implementation. Many young mothers are unaware of their rights, face discrimination in schools, and struggle to balance education with childcare responsibilities.
The Elimu Dada Project was created to bridge these gaps, ensuring young mothers receive the resources, skills, and support they need to thrive. By empowering young mothers through education and targeted interventions, we can transform not only their lives but also the futures of their children and communities.
Our Approach: Core Objectives
The Elimu Dada Project operates with three core objectives, each addressing critical barriers faced by young mothers.
Objective 1: Ensure Education Access and Retention for Teenage Mothers
Many young mothers drop out of school due to financial constraints, stigma, and lack of institutional support. To address this, Elimu Dada provides:
School Re-Entry Support – Partnerships with schools and vocational training centers to provide young mothers with formal education and skill-based training opportunities.
Financial Assistance – Covering school fees, uniforms, and learning materials to remove economic barriers.
Childcare Solutions – Collaborating with local daycare centers to provide safe, affordable childcare while mothers focus on education.
Digital literacy programs- Digital literacy workshops tailored to all skill levels, providing hands-on experience to build confidence and competence with digital tools.
Policy Advocacy – Engaging local & county government agencies to strengthen the enforcement of re-entry policies and ensure schools provide a welcoming environment for young mothers.
Objective 3: Build a Supportive Ecosystem for Teenage Mothers
Beyond financial and educational support, young mothers need emotional, psychological, and community backing to thrive. Elimu Dada fosters a nurturing environment through:
TeenMom Connect (Virtual Support & Parenting Education) – Expert-led online sessions on parenting, maternal health, and child development, delivered via WhatsApp and other digital platforms.
Life Skills Development – Workshops on self-esteem, leadership, time management, and problem-solving to empower young mothers in their personal and professional lives.
Family & Community Engagement – Inclusive caregiver workshops involving fathers and extended family members to strengthen support networks.
Stigma Reduction & Awareness Campaigns – Community outreach programs to shift societal perceptions and normalize education for young mothers.
Objective 2: Promote Economic Empowerment for Sustainable Livelihoods
Recognizing that economic independence is key to breaking cycles of poverty, Elimu Dada equips young mothers with skills and financial resources to secure stable livelihoods through:
Vocational Training & Entrepreneurship – Skill-building programs in areas such as tailoring, hairdressing, agribusiness, and digital literacy.
Seed Funding for Startups – Small grants to help graduates launch businesses or income-generating projects.
Financial Literacy and Business Mentorship – Training in money management, savings, and business planning to ensure long-term success.
Future Goals?
The Elimu Dada Project is committed to continuous growth and expansion to reach more young mothers in need. Key future goals include:
Promote Income-Generating Activities – Establish a training center where young mothers can learn to produce reusable sanitary pads, creating both income and sustainability.
Expand Reach – Scale services to additional counties, supporting more young mothers each year.
Enhance Digital Support – Expand the TeenMom Connect initiative to offer remote learning, mentorship, and parenting education for young mothers in underserved areas.
Increase Childcare Access – Partner with additional daycare centers to provide more childcare options for young mothers pursuing education.
