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On March 26, 2025, KCDF, in collaboration with TotalEnergies, celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of the INSPIREHER Mentorship Programme at Ngara Girls Secondary School. This initiative aims to empower young girls by guiding them through essential life topics, including self-awareness, self-confidence, self-esteem, values, visioning, sexual and reproductive health, drugs and substance abuse, and healthy relationships.
The programme saw the graduation of 336 girls who expressed profound gratitude for the mentorship they received, noting the impact it had on their personal growth. They shared how the guidance they received from mentors covered essential issues that some of their parents had not been able to address, giving them a safe space to engage in meaningful discussions about life and future aspirations.
Mrs Ogega, the Deputy Principal of Ngara Girls Secondary School, praised KCDF and TotalEnergies for contributing to the girls’ development. She emphasised how the mentorship programme helped build the girls’ character and self-confidence, noting that it played a significant role in their academic and extracurricular achievements. “We have raised smart girls who have excelled to the point of representing the school at the Nationals and even visiting State House for the drama festivals. We are deeply grateful for this programme and look forward to welcoming a second cohort,” she said.
Mentors from TotalEnergies encouraged the girls to apply the lessons learned during the sessions to their daily lives. Some mentors, alumni of the school, shared their personal experiences, urging the students to stay focused, make wise decisions, and pursue their goals while avoiding distractions such as negative peer pressure and unhealthy relationships.
Lawrencia Gichatha, Finance Director at Total Kenya Plc, reinforced the importance of discipline, integrity, and hard work. She urged the girls to remain focused on their education and to uphold high standards of behaviour, emphasising that their future success would be built on their academic achievements, good conduct, and determination. “There are spaces for women in every field, but you need to focus on your education, work hard, and be disciplined to reach those opportunities,” she advised.
KCDF’s Executive Director, Ms Grace Maingi, also addressed the graduates, expressing her joy in seeing the progress made by the girls and the school. “It’s heartening to hear about your growth through this mentorship programme,” she said. “As a parent, I encourage you to focus on your studies. Boys will always be there, but now is the time for your education. Get good grades, respect your teachers, parents, and elders, and never lose sight of your dreams.”
The ceremony concluded with a tree-planting session, during which the girls were encouraged to adopt a culture of tree planting and environmental conservation. This initiative symbolized growth, sustainability, and the importance of caring for the environment, reinforcing the values of responsibility and leadership instilled throughout the mentorship programme.
The INSPIREHER Mentorship Programme is a powerful proof to KCDF’s mission of promoting flourishing and resilient communities. This programme creates strong, self-assured leaders who will drive positive change in their communities by empowering young girls with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to succeed. With the continued support of partners like TotalEnergies, KCDF remains committed to equipping the next generation with the tools they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. Through INSPIREHER, KCDF is nurturing the leaders of tomorrow and fostering communities where every individual can realize their potential.
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