I thought my chance was gone- Kadzo

In the coastal town of Msambweni, three young girls, Asha, Zuwena, and Kadzo (not their real names) had quietly dropped out of  school, each carrying the weight of circumstances that made education feel out of reach.

But hope returned through the unwavering efforts of Msambweni Queens, a YSW partner youth-led organisation. Known for their transformative peer learning sessions and community dialogues, MQ partnered with a respected local leader to host a series of candid conversations with the girls and their families.

These sessions, which focused on education,  helped both the girls and their parents understand the risks of staying out of school including child marriages, teenage pregnancies, and lost opportunities,  and the lifelong value of education.

“I thought my chance was gone. But when they spoke to me, I saw myself differently. I want to be someone who finishes school and helps others do the same,” said Kadzo. 

Her words echoed through the room, touching even the most hesitant hearts.

“I didn’t realise how much she was losing by staying home. The way they explained it—it opened my eyes. I want her to have a better life than I did,”  said one parent, who had previously deprioritised schooling.  

With support from MQ and the local leader, all three girls were re-enrolled in school. Uniforms were sourced, school administrators were engaged, and the girls walked back into classrooms.

The trajectory of  Kadzo, Asha and Zuwena’s life has been changed with with targeted support, mentorship, and spaces where girls voices are heard, and their rights respected.