Binti Rashid is a 20-year-old student at Olympic High School in Kibera and young mother. With educational, emotional and healthcare support from CFK Africa’s Funzo Project, Binti returned to complete her education and is on track to sit for her Form 4 exams and pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.
My name is Binti Rashid, a 20-year-old student at Olympic High School and a proud resident of Kibera, Nairobi. I am also a teen mother. I became pregnant at 17 and had my baby at 18, which caused me to drop out of school in Form 3. For as long as I can remember, my dream has been to become a nurse. However, I knew I couldn’t achieve that dream without completing my education.
At that time, life seemed hopeless. My mother, already burdened with taking care of my siblings, couldn’t afford to send me back to school. Just when I felt like giving up, a friend told me about CFK Africa’s Funzo project for teenage mothers. I applied and was fortunate to be selected. That scholarship has transformed my life.
Now, I can focus on my studies without worry and facing stigma as a young mother. CFK Africa’s Girls Empowerment team supports our overall well-being. They provide healthcare services at Tabitha Medical Clinic, revision materials to help us excel academically, support with school fees, and emotional and mental support through safe spaces.
As a teen mother, these safe spaces have been invaluable. I’ve connected with other young mothers, shared stories, and found encouragement that I am not alone in my journey.
Being a mother doesn’t limit me today, it strengthens me. My child motivates me to push harder and achieve my dreams. In our community, many young mothers face rejection and are told they don’t deserve a second chance at education. I want to challenge that misconception. Young mothers can thrive, and our dreams are still valid.
Thanks to CFK Africa’s Funzo Project, I am on track to sit for my Form 4 exams next year. I hope to inspire other young mothers to believe in themselves and not let circumstances define their future.
Thank you to all who have believed in me – you’ve not only given me a second chance but also the tools to rewrite my story. My dream of becoming a nurse is now within reach, and I promise to make the most of this opportunity.
