The peer mentorship initiative is part of the British Council Gender Equality Partnership Project, implemented by 吃瓜头条 in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University under the Going Global Partnerships. Members of the KUFESST Club, project project researchers from KU, patrons, and student mentors gathered for a peer neighbours project review meeting at KUFESST. The meeting served as an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the peer mentorship project and to celebrate the positive impact it has had on young girls in Grade 9.
鈥淭he true success of this programme lies in the girls we have trained,鈥� noted Dr. Njihia as he officially welcomed everyone to the review meeting and praised the remarkable work that had been accomplished through the project. He noted that the initiative had already created meaningful change and expressed hope that its influence would continue long after the project itself ends.
According to Dr. Njihia, the true success of the programme lies in the girls who have been trained through the KUFESST Club. He emphasized that these young women now have the ability to carry the project鈥檚 mission forward by continuing to mentor and inspire others in their schools and communities.
Dr. Mutuma also commended the students for the way they interacted with the younger girls during the mentorship sessions. He highlighted the strong connection that had developed between the university students and the learners, noting that the younger girls responded positively to the mentors鈥� guidance and encouragement. He further praised the exceptional way in which the student mentors delivered their message and shared their experiences. The girls, he said, had made a lasting impact on their peer neighbours by giving them confidence, hope, and practical encouragement. Dr. Mutuma encouraged the student mentors to continue with this spirit of service at every stage of their lives. He urged them not only to mentor girls within their current communities, but also to go back to their former primary schools and extend the same support to younger learners there.
Dr. Lucy expressed her appreciation to Dr. Damaris and Dr. Njihi, the implementers of the peer mentoring project at 吃瓜头条, for introducing an initiative that has brought the university closer to the surrounding community. She noted that the project has made 吃瓜头条 more visible and meaningful in the lives of young girls and their families. She also thanked Mr. Nelson and Ms. Sera, the KUFESST patrons, for their dedication and excellent coordination throughout the programme. Their support, she said, had played a major role in ensuring that the activities ran smoothly and reached the intended schools. Dr. Lucy particularly appreciated the student mentors for their patience, commitment, and selflessness. She praised them for willingly giving their time and energy to ensure that younger girls could identify with them and learn from their experiences. 鈥淟ife is a cocktail,鈥� Dr. Lucy remarked, 鈥渁nd mentorship helps young girls navigate those different experiences with confidence.鈥� She explained that the mentors had helped the Grade 9 girls understand that the path ahead is not as strict or as difficult as it may seem.
Through their stories and interactions, the student mentors showed the younger girls that with determination, support, and confidence, they can overcome challenges and pursue their dreams.
Dr. Lucy concluded by encouraging the girls not to see this as the end of their involvement. Instead, she described the project as only the beginning of their mentorship journey and urged them to continue inspiring others wherever they go.
Dr. Damaris later gave a brief overview of the experiences of the student mentors throughout the project. She reflected on the journey the students had taken鈥攆rom receiving mentorship training to implementing the peer neighbour programme in Schools in Nairobi and Kirinyaga counties.
The schools reached through the initiative included Kiwanja Junior School, Kahawa Barracks Junior School, schools in Mwiki and Roysambu, as well as schools in Kirinyaga County. Through these visits, the students were able to engage directly with younger girls, share their stories, and encourage them to believe in themselves and their future.
The student reflections mark a significant milestone in the project, highlighting not only its success but also its sustainability. As these young mentors continue to extend their reach, the initiative stands as a powerful model for advancing gender equality in STEM through peer-driven impact.
As the meeting continued, Dr. Damaris invited the student mentors to share their own experiences and reflections on the journey. They were asked to speak about how they viewed the process, beginning with their training and ending with their experiences in the schools.