Grace, a 16-year-old from Seme Sub-county in Kisumu County, was forced to drop out of school due to her family’s financial struggles. Her mother, unable to afford school fees, left Grace with no choice but to seek employment as a domestic worker. For six months, Grace worked in Kombewa, performing house chores and washing clothes. Despite her hard work, she faced exploitation, including working without pay. She felt helpless and resigned to her situation, hoping that eventually, she would be compensated. This period of her work deprived her of education, subjected her to physical exhaustion, and exposed her to exploitation by unscrupulous employers.

Grace’s situation began to change when ICS SP through NIA project identified her as a child domestic worker and intervened. The organization assessed her case and after a discussion with the mother, her best chance was returning to school. ICS SP agreed to support her education by covering her school fees, her mother was to provide other scholastic materials and ensure she gate a supportive environment offering her a way out of the exploitative domestic work.

Since leaving domestic work and returning to school, Grace’s life has improved. The physical and emotional challenges due to work have reduced since when was also linked to ChildLine and Share is receiving psychosocial support. Her focus has shifted from laboring for her employers to excelling in her studies and supporting her mother through education.

“I would advise other children who would like to join domestic work to go back to school, even if it’s difficult, and not to drop out because domestic work exploits their rights,” Says Grace

I appreciate ICS because now I can rejoin my friends in school and focus on my studies, without having to do the hard work I used to do. I just request continued support for school fees.”

Grace’s story highlights the importance of educational support and advocacy for children like her, offering them a chance to escape exploitation and achieve a brighter future.

Grace’s case has brought attention to the exploitation of child domestic workers in the community. The root causes of child domestic work, particularly poverty and lack of access to education, were addressed through ICS SP’s intervention in Grace’s case. By providing financial support for her school fees, the organization tackled the primary barrier that forced her into domestic work. Grace’s experience also highlights the broader issue of harmful social norms that condone child labor. Grace’s story also shows the importance of sustained support for vulnerable children to prevent exploitation and promote their right to education.