Voices of Hope: Teachers Leading Change for Girls in Samburu

In Samburu, northern Kenya, rolling red hills dotted with acacia trees hold traditions that have endured for generations. Among the Samburu, practices such as beading, early marriage, and FGM are still seen by many as symbols of pride, womanhood, and belonging. But behind this heritage lies a story of pain—girls’ futures stolen, voices silenced, and dreams of education cut short.

It is in this context that YSW, through the DAISY and O3 projects, began working with teachers in Samburu, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and accurate information to engage learners and communities on sensitive topics such as FGM, GBV, early marriage, and harmful traditional practices.

For teachers like Florence from Wamba, the training was an awakening. “I realized I had carried silence for too long,” she recalls. “We used to see girls drop out, but didn’t know how to help. The trainings gave us courage.”

Together with her colleague Faith from Nyogoruru Primary, Florence began mentoring students, holding small group discussions, and engaging parents and elders in dialogue. What started as individual efforts grew into a collective movement.

From this, Voices of Hope was born. It is a teachers’ network turned registered CBO dedicated to empowering girls and women in Samburu to live with dignity, confidence, and purpose.

Today, Voices of Hope conducts community dialogues on FGM and GBV, mentors girls, and creates safe spaces for boys and men to learn about respect and positive masculinity. Parents, once hesitant, are beginning to listen.

At a recent outreach, a mother shared, “We were told the cut makes a girl strong. Now I see strength in my daughter’s confidence, not her scars.”

As Florence reflects on the journey, her voice carries both pride and humility.

“We may not have much in resources, but we have a powerful movement. Every time a girl stays in school, every time a parent rethinks the cut, that’s hope in action.”

Faith nods in agreement. “We are proof that change can begin anywhere, even in a small classroom in Samburu.