We’re still buzzing with excitement from our highly successful annual 2024 physical mentorship retreat in Nairobi, themed "The GLOW Culture." This three-day conference brought together more than 100 GLOW scholars and graduates, encouraging learning and bonding in a vibrant and supportive environment.

In a community where everyday expenses weigh heavily on families, Jane has started a humble yet impactful farming project that has not only put food on her family's table but also set them on a path toward sustainability.

Christine firmly believes that prevention is key in oral health. "There's a lot more to oral health than tooth extraction," she emphasizes. With this in mind, the GLOW scholar instills a culture of preventive care, starting with educating children and teenagers.

Grace, a second-year GLOW scholar at the University of Embu is seriously championing justice and sustainability. She is actively involved in raising awareness about pressing environmental issues, particularly through her participation in the Moot Court competition on Climate Justice.

Our inaugural Mentors' Luncheon in Nairobi was an incredible success! The event brought together mentors from across our organization to celebrate their passion, dedication and contributions to our organization, particularly the mentorship program.

At its core, GLOW believes in the transformative power of education to uplift and empower girls. And nowhere is this belief more evident than in GLOW's meticulous student-selection process, where alumni and staff collaboratively review applications and interview prospective beneficiaries.

Our very own Dorcus Anzazi has become a shining example of environmental leadership. As the leader of a youth group dedicated to raising environmental awareness, Dorcus proactively led the team in collecting and managing plastic waste along the beaches.

“My passion for health grew as I embraced healthier living and exercise to reduce the prevailing risk of cardiovascular diseases in my community,” says Sarah, a GLOW Girl.

She is a student in Health Promotion and Sports Science. This educational path has exposed her to a world where fitness intertwines with holistic well-being.

College life, with its demanding nature, requires a holistic approach. GLOW understands this, that's why we encourage our girls to dive headfirst into extracurricular activities. It's more than just stress relief; it's a pathway to a balanced and fulfilling college experience.

A group of 88 spoken word poets is currently undergoing a transformative poetry development training at the Kenya National Theater in Nairobi. Among them stands Naomi, a proud alumna of GLOW, whose passion for poetry since high school to become one of the chosen few for this prestigious program is an object of envy for us.

Over school breaks, our girls return home, contributing in various ways, including handling domestic chores, tutoring younger siblings and participating in farming activities to assist their families.

Twice a month, Doreen steps into Harambee Arts, a rehabilitation facility in Nairobi's Kibera slum. Here, she shares her passion for art with children and women, teaching them to express themselves through sketching and painting. Serving as a safe haven for women, children and people with disabilities, Harambee Arts uses expressive art as a means of empowerment and healing, specifically looking to improve mental health.

GLOW takes pride in a thriving community of 85+ alumni. Beyond graduation, our mission extends to keeping our girls actively involved. Since the inaugural graduate class of 2018, we've orchestrated programs that successfully beckon alumni back into the fold. Their return is not just symbolic; it's a testament to the deep ties to our community. Our alumni generously contribute to the ongoing growth of our network, passionately volunteering in various capacities. Here's a glimpse into the impactful ways they continue to shape and uplift the GLOW community.

In Kenya, success is perceived as levels of education, economic stability, leadership, community influence, social standing and material comforts. However, perceptions vary from person to person, highlighting the diverse perspectives within a community.