Atieno is name a 17-year-old girl from Angoga village in Seme Sub-County, Kisumu County, Kenya, grew up in a low-income household with her mother and four siblings after her father passed away. The family faced severe financial difficulties, and her mother struggled to make ends meet.

Atieno recalls, “I dropped out of school in 2022 after becoming pregnant. Then I decided to engage in domestic work in a nearby homestead. I used to do house chores and babysitting with little pay, which wasn’t even consistent. I needed the money to support my child since my mother couldn’t support our whole family.” “I thought of taking a hairdressing course, but after our discussions, I realized it would be more important to finish school and get my certificate,” she said. “This way, I can pursue even better training opportunities.”

In 2022, at 15 years old and in her second year of secondary school, Atieno became pregnant. The stigma of teenage pregnancy and the financial burden of raising a child forced her to drop out of school. To support her unborn baby, she started working as a domestic helper, doing household chores, babysitting, and gardening for inconsistent wages. Even after her child was born,she continued working, unable to return to school due to a lack of school fees and the need to care for her baby. This situation left Atieno feeling isolated from her peers, with low self-esteem and constant stress.

In January 2024, the NIA project, in collaboration with local government officials and the Directorate of Children Services, began raising awareness about child domestic work in Seme Sub-County. Community leaders and village elders were involved in identifying children engaged in domestic work or at risk. Atieno’s village elder submitted her family’s details to a Child Protection Volunteer, and she was enrolled in the program.

Although Atieno had initially considered taking a hairdressing course to secure future employment, after speaking with project staff, she decided to return to school instead.

The NIA project helped Atieno reintegrate into the education system. A social contract was formed between Atieno, her mother, the school, and the community, ensuring sustainable

support for her return to school. The project covered her school fees, provided mentorship, linked to Child line Kenya for psychosocial support, and set up a support system with her family, the school, and the community. This support enabled Atieno to return to secondary school instead of continuing domestic work. Atieno herself promised to attend school regularly, participate actively, and complete her assignments.

Now back in school, Atieno feels a renewed sense of hope.

 “I can now listen to my mother and help with various chores at home, unlike before. I’m grateful to the ICS SP-TIPO project for coming through when I had almost lost all hope of going back to school. I had already decided to be a house help forever.”

Atieno’s journey illustrates the power of community support and targeted interventions in transforming lives. Her positive change has also impacted her community by increasing awareness about the importance of education and the risks of exploitative child domestic work. The community is now more informed and supportive of educational opportunities for children, helping to prevent child domestic work. The project’s approach promotes awareness and support within the community, aiming to prevent exploitation and encourage educational success.

Through the NIA project, she now has the chance to rebuild her future.