The other day, I reached out to one of our young mothers who is currently enrolled in a course at a local vocational training center. On the surface, it might look like a routine call—just checking if she has been attending her classes. But behind that simple act lies a deeper reality we see too often: young mothers dropping out quietly, long before anyone notices.

From our experience, retention is never guaranteed. The barriers are rarely academic. Instead, they are deeply social and economic. Many of the young women we serve live in fragile household arrangements. Today, she may have a roof over her head; tomorrow, she may face eviction because guardians grow weary of the responsibility, or because of fears that increased mobility will lead to another pregnancy. These disruptions are less about willpower and more about survival.

Add to this the daily balancing act of childcare, daycare expenses, food security, learning materials, and maintaining peer relationships. For a young mother, the demands are immense. Without a consistent support system, it is almost inevitable that one or more of these “balls” will be dropped—and too often, the first casualty is education.

This is where holistic support becomes critical; Vocational training alone is not enough. It must be paired with psycho-social support, mentorship, and practical assistance that recognizes the full spectrum of challenges young mothers face. Retention, therefore, is not just about keeping a girl in school—it is about stabilizing her environment, affirming her dignity, and building the social safety nets that allow her to thrive.

At Birth & Beyond, this is the heart of our work: creating ecosystems of care where vulnerable teenage mothers are not forced to choose between survival and opportunity. Because when one young mother completes her course and steps into dignified work, the ripple effects extend to her child, her household, and ultimately, the wider community.

Sustainable empowerment begins with presence—consistent, intentional, and holistic. Sometimes, it is as simple as a phone call. But behind that call is a message every young mother deserves to hear: You are not alone. We see you. We will walk with you until you finish the journey.

At Birth and Beyond, we know that empowerment is never accidental; It is built through consistent presence, intentional care, and collective action. But we cannot do it alone.

We invite you to partner with us—whether through financial support, mentorship, or opening doors to opportunities—so that more young mothers can stay the course, complete their training, and step into dignified work. Together, we can make sure no young mother is forced to choose between survival and her future.

You can reach us via call or whatsapp on + 254 735 875 215 .