Sheila (16) lives in Dudi village in Kokwanyo Kakelo Ward with her mother and two younger siblings. Her mother, a small-scale farmer, struggled to pay school fees and buy learning materials after Sheila’s father passed away. By the time Sheila reached Form 2, she was frequently sent home for unpaid fees and began to believe her education was over.

EEO identified Sheila through its school partners as a girl at high risk of dropping out. Through the Educate a Girl in Kenya Project, she received tuition fee support, essential learning materials, and transition guidance. An EEO mentor also checked in with her regularly to encourage her and help her plan her studies.

Within one term, Sheila’s attendance improved, and she stopped being sent home for fees. She began to participate more in class and even started helping younger girls with their homework. By the end of the year, she had successfully transitioned to the next grade and was discussing her hope of becoming a nurse.

“I thought my education had ended. When EEO stepped in, I saw my future again. Now I want to go to university and help my family.”— Sheila, 16