Anna Joseph was enrolled in the DREAMS program at a time when she was a housewife solely dependent on her husband. She is a mother of two children and, at the time of enrollment, was both expectant and breastfeeding. She mentioned that she had a business that she had neglected due to the burden of caring for two young children and her pregnancy. Despite her challenges, she was encouraged to make time for safe space sessions, with her mentor,
Emmaculate, even assisting by helping carry her babies during the sessions. Anna attended life skills training, nutrition education, and other sessions aimed at building her social assets. She also gained knowledge on condom use, various contraceptive methods, and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).

Through the program, Anna received financial literacy education and insights on restarting and maintaining her business by participating in entrepreneurship training. She joined a chama (savings group) with other AGYW, meeting every Thursday at the Masaba HC safe
space. This marked the beginning of her savings journey. After successfully delivering her baby, she discussed her family planning options with the service provider at Masaba HC and chose threemonth injectables. Given that she was in a polygamous relationship, she also opted to be initiated on PrEP for additional protection.

SUCCESS STORY
Anna has become a high-impact beneficiary, witnessing significant growth in her business due to consistent mentorship and monitoring from USAID NYM. She has even offered internship opportunities to fellow AGYW enrolled in the program, mentoring five young women in Masaba who have since started their own businesses.

Today, Anna is a true testament to economic empowerment and resilience. She has diversified her business to include the sale of bags, suitcases, ready-made clothes, duvets, and other items. Her business now generates a monthly profit of 10,000 to 15,000 Kenya shillings, enabling her to meet her needs. Anna also gives back to her community by mentoring other AGYW, serving as a PrEP champion, and acting as the chairlady of the safe space chama. She feels ready for graduation to make room for other young women to be mentored.

These were her parting words: “Kwenye USAID NYM imenitoa mbali. Mimi sikua na matumaini, sikujua naweza kuwa na pesa zangu, nijue kuzitunza na hata kubudget na kuendeleza biashara. Lakini leo mimi ni nani? Familia nimepanga, sitapata mtoto mwingine hadi niwe tayari. Kiafya najiamini, nimeji-PrEP hadi nilipofeel sasa naweza tumia njia zingine kujikinga. Ndoa iko imara. Nitaendelea kuwashughulikia AGYW wenzangu na kuwatia moyo kila wakati. Asanteni sana.”