Mission With A Vision
Program development for Kenyan girls through education, vocational training, fostering independence, resilience, and community transformation.
2024
Team
Nirkhunan Kuppuram
Non-Profit
Discipline
Project Development
Strategy
Background
For over 27 years, Mission With A Vision has been a beacon of hope in Kenya, rescuing over 3,200 girls from female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriage. Tasked with expanding their impact, I designed and implemented a program that bridged educational gaps, provided vocational training, and offered psychological support to girls aged 10–25. This holistic initiative empowered over 300 participants, laying the groundwork for gender equality and socio-economic resilience. Through needs assessments, strategic program design, and grant proposal development, the project is projected to secure $100,000 in funding and demonstrate a scalable model for community transformation.
Context and The Problem
In Kenya’s Maasai regions, cultural practices such as FGM and early marriage strip girls of their right to education and personal growth. Families face financial constraints, leaving tuition and vocational training out of reach. Psychological trauma from harmful traditions further diminishes confidence, creating insurmountable barriers to progress. These systemic challenges perpetuate cycles of poverty, limiting opportunities not just for individuals but for entire communities. Mission With A Vision sought to address these deeply ingrained issues by offering girls a chance to rewrite their narratives through education, skills training, and advocacy.
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Conducted in-depth research and interviews for over 200 stakeholders to identify barriers to education and areas of opportunity. The findings highlighted a demand for practical skills like tailoring and electrical work, alongside the need for trauma-informed counseling.
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Designed a multi-phase program offering scholarships, vocational training, and peer mentorship. Entrepreneurship workshops were integrated to empower participants with economic independence.
Rolled out the program in three phases, collaborating with educators, local leaders, and counselors to ensure alignment with cultural contexts and community buy-in.
Developed KPIs to measure success, including retention rates, skill acquisition, and employment outcomes. Achieved an 85% retention rate and an 80% employment rate among participants.
Impact and Retrospective
The program empowered over 300 girls to pursue education and vocational training, transforming their economic prospects and social standing. Participants reported improved confidence and independence, with many securing employment or starting businesses. Beyond individual success, the initiative sparked community-wide shifts in attitudes toward FGM and girls’ education. While challenges like cultural resistance and limited resources persist, the program’s success provides a blueprint for scaling efforts to neighboring regions. This project underscores the transformative power of education when combined with strategic, community-driven solutions.
Image Courtesy: Mission With A Vision