Betty Khakoni, a 20-year-old alumnus of Big Picture Learning Kenya (BPLK), one of Girl Rising's grantee partner programs, is leading a movement for sexual reproductive rights education in Nairobi's informal settlement of Kawangware. Her project is a response to the alarming Ministry of Health Kenya report, which recorded over 45,000 cases of teen pregnancies in just the first two months of 2022.
"Teenage pregnancy is not only a problem in my community but is also a national issue in Kenya," says Betty. "My project has taught me that the issue of teenage pregnancy is not just about girls, but also about boys who need to be mentored to understand its effects. Thanks to the Girl Rising program, I have become braver and gained a better understanding of the issues that affect girls."
Betty graduated from BPLK's 'Kuna Nuru' Leadership Academy, which trains high school graduates to learn community leadership skills and undertake a project of their choice that addresses a crucial issue in their community.
With education and support from Girl Rising programs, young women like Betty are leading forces of change for a better tomorrow.