Tewa Training Centre: Empowering Young Women in Kilifi

In Kilifi County, along Kenya’s coastal region, poverty is not just a statistic — it's a daily reality, especially for young women and girls. Many face early pregnancies, school dropouts, and unemployment, not out of choice, but because there simply aren’t opportunities.

That’s why Tewa Training Centre exists. Since opening our doors in 2017, Tewa has trained over 380 young women, equipping them with practical skills in:

• Food production and catering

• Customer service and hospitality

• Entrepreneurship and life skills

  
  

But beyond skills, we offer something deeper: a path out of poverty and into dignity.

Why It Matters

Kilifi County, located on Kenya’s coast, is one of the poorest counties in the country — with 34.4% of its population living below the international poverty line (USD 2.15/day). These conditions mean many families struggle to afford basic needs, pushing girls into early and precarious situations just to survive.

As a result, Kilifi also has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Kenya — around 21.8% for girls aged 15–19, compared to the national average of 18.4% - The Star

In the first half of this year alone, more than 4,000 school-going girls (aged 10–18) in Kilifi became pregnant - Standard Media

How Tewa Steps In

The combination of persistent poverty and limited education or job opportunities creates a dangerous cycle. Girls are often forced into early marriages, informal labor (including risky trade-offs like exchanging sex for money or necessities), or dropping out of school before age 18 UNFPA Kenya.

Tewa Training Centre offers a refuge and a launchpad — providing safe, supportive spaces where young women can regain hope, build practical skills, and access pathways to employment or entrepreneurship.

Our Mission

At Tewa, our mission is to break the cycle of poverty by giving young women the tools they need to thrive. That means:

• Affordable, hands-on training

• Mentorship and life skills

• Support with internships, jobs, or launching small businesses

  
  

Our Impact So Far

📌 Over 70% of graduates employed or self-employed

📌 6000+ Lives Impacted

📌 75% Employment Rate

📌 15+ Years of Excellence

Looking Ahead

We believe in a future where no girl is left behind because of where she was born. At Tewa, we’re not just teaching skills — we’re transforming lives. And as our programs grow, we remain committed to reaching even more young people who are eager for change but just need a chance.

To our supporters, partners, and readers — thank you for walking with us. Together, we are breaking cycles. And building new legacies.

The Importance of Community Support

Community support plays a crucial role in the success of initiatives like Tewa. When local businesses, organizations, and individuals come together, they create a network of resources and opportunities. This collaboration can lead to internships, job placements, and mentorship programs that further empower young women.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to contribute to Tewa’s mission. You can volunteer your time, donate resources, or even share our story with others. Every little effort counts. By spreading awareness, you can help us reach more young women in need.

Success Stories

The impact of Tewa is best illustrated through the success stories of our graduates. Many have gone on to start their own businesses, while others have secured stable jobs in various industries. These stories inspire hope and demonstrate the potential of young women when given the right support.

Conclusion

The journey of empowerment is ongoing. With continued support, Tewa Training Centre can expand its reach and impact even more lives. We envision a future where every young woman in Kilifi has the opportunity to thrive.

Let us work together to create lasting change. Join us in our mission to uplift young women and transform communities.