By Fred Maina (YES 2015-2016, Kenya, placed by ACES in Holly Springs, NC)

I am an enthusiastic volunteer, computer science graduate, and lover of peace. The YES program had a profound impact in shaping who I am today. During my exchange year, I learned to be independent and selfless, think critically, and act as a leader. Giving back to one’s community is a core value of the YES program and a value dear to my host family, both of which inspired my dedication to volunteering and community projects.

The high rate of school dropout in Kenya, especially due to financial constraints, has persisted despite governmental efforts to mitigate this issue. I realized that, within my community of Mariakani, it often boils down to a lack of information about grants, loans, and scholarships. I have lost some brilliant friends to gangs and drugs after they quit school. The Mariakani community is plagued with poverty, with no significant career options for youth who dream big. The cycle has to be broken. We are a very hardworking community, and with what little we have, we strive to produce more from it. With the right guidance, I am confident that local youth can attain a quality education, fulfill their dreams, and ultimately make Mariakani – and Kenya – a better place.

These issues led me to apply for a YES Alumni Grant to implement the project, Education to Educate, which centered on UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #4: Quality Education. The project’s workshop sessions taught 131 students, 74 parents, and six teachers from Mariakani Primary School about quality education and shared information and application tips for loans, grants, and scholarships from the government and other institutions. We also discussed staying engaged during transition periods, when one is not in school, through free local courses. We also held hygiene and gender equality sessions in separate gender groups. The boys were taught about men’s hygiene in a safe space, where they could openly share their experiences with male facilitators.

Period poverty activist Fatma Khalfan ’18 taught the girls about menstrual hygiene and how to make reusable sanitary pads. Facilitators of both gender groups led discussions on how detrimental teen pregnancy is to quality education. The project activities culminated with the establishment of an information center in Mariakani Primary School, where parents, students, and community members can access information about grants, scholarships, loans, and free courses.

Prior to our workshop, the participants did not have much knowledge of the UN SDGs and why quality education is important in our society. After the workshop, they reported feeling very confident in writing grant and scholarship applications and said they knew where to access information on financial aid. They also reported they were eager to join the free courses offered by local organizations. The girls found it very valuable to learn how to make reusable pads, since period poverty is a big problem hindering their education.

My goal is to have the information center run indefinitely, even if school administrations change. I have created a close relationship with the principal and a few teachers, who will help with running the center. I also plan to visit the school next May to share information about the YES program.

I felt a great sense of fulfilment when receiving feedback from the participants, as they really loved and appreciated the workshop. The problem has always been here, but no one has ever stepped forward to address and discuss it.

My fellow YES alumni were quick to assist, and my team members and partners were very helpful with the organization of this project and making sure it ran smoothly. I now feel more inspired than ever to do more projects in other parts of Kenya.

Much gratitude goes to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, American Councils, AFS, fellow YES alumni, partners from Mariakani Primary School, my parents, the student participants, and the entire community of Mariakani for making this project happen.

Fatma Khalfan Salim (YES 2017-2018, Kenya, placed by ACES in Oregon, OH)