16 year old Christine Mokeira and her one week baby Maryann Kwamboka were referred to Jimmia soon after delivery and release from the hospital . The case was referred as high risk and efforts were put in place to ensure the young mother returns to school and a follow up from the Njoro Children Office and Ministry of Education will be effected.

Pursuant to the Children’s Act the subject is in need of care and protection since under section 119 (g) she is prevented from receiving education; (h) who, being a female, is subjected or is likely to be subjected to female circumcision or early marriage or to customs and practices prejudicial to the child’s life, education and health.

She  reported  that she is married and stays with her husband being the first born in a family of five.  She has been raised by a single mum who has disabled kids hence discontinued her from academics. In the , JIMMIA Women rescue center which is tailor-made to handle such matters, she will get the apt counseling and get a chance to continue with her education and get the necessary psychosocial support. We have the Adolescent Girls Empowerment  Program which addresses such issues especially on child rights and protection.  She will be hosted for some time in the Center, for the safety of the girl and her baby. Efforts with the ministry of Interior will be undertaken to ensure effective family tracing is conducted and she is integrated to her family.

Update: It has been two months with Christine and her baby Maryann. The baby has grown beautiful and healthy. For a teenage mother it has not been easy for her having come from a dysfunctional family. Christine is a valiant lady as she has been a good mum to her baby. Learning parenting skills has also made her to be more responsible in her overall performance.

Christine has been receiving psychiatric service from PDO (Psychiatric Disability Organization )who are good friends of JIMMIA. This service has been important in assessing her psychological well being. She has acquired skills such as soap making and mat making to empower her economically as she exits the center. We are hoping for her to grow to be a strong independent woman and find her true value.