'Why I Mentor': Priscilla's Belief in Africa's Youth

Africa’s youth are ambitious, full of untapped potential, and chasing big dreams. All it takes is just one person to believe in them and set them on the path to success. As a trainer at Educate!’s livelihood bootcamps for out-of-school youth, I take pride in being that person. 

I mentor young people through a six-week journey to start businesses, improve their incomes, and gain agency. When I first met Precious, she was dependent on her mother. But today, she runs her own shoe business with passion. She’s moved out of her mother’s house, provides for her daughter’s education, and has grown her business enough to employ someone else. I couldn’t be prouder!

Growing up in Kitui County, Kenya, I saw firsthand the challenges many youth face — poverty, high teenage pregnancy rates, and scarce job opportunities. These barriers often make it difficult to complete school, and for young women, the path is even more limited.

Educate!’s bootcamps have a 70% female participation rate. This is intentional — to show them that they are just as capable as men in running businesses. Many young women join our bootcamp believing their only future is as financially dependent housewives. Supporting them in shifting their mindsets is incredibly rewarding.

Our training — offered in Swahili — is practical, engaging, and easy to understand. As a successful beekeeper myself, I share my own sales records books to prove that what I teach works.

Many youth start new businesses immediately after the bootcamp, while others grow their existing ventures. And the impact is evident! Across multiple cohorts, we’ve seen incomes increasing by 50 to 150% 3-6 months after participating.

Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many incredible young people, including resilient single mothers, like Precious, who inspire me.

It’s a privilege to share our stories with you. It means a lot to know that someone is listening.