Three RRBF sponsored students were invited to take part in a seven-week training course organised by AMREF, who support public and community health initiatives in Kenya. The girls, Claire, Damaris and Franciscah, all completed their secondary school studies in November 2025 so were waiting to receive university offers.
“To The Red Rubber Ball Foundation, I-REP Foundation, and everyone who has supported our journey: thank you for investing in our education, our dreams, and our future.
When we first joined the Girls’ Leadership Training Program at Nice Place Foundation in May 2026, we were excited and curious about what the seven weeks would bring. As three girls preparing to join university, we knew we were about to begin a completely new chapter of our lives. Looking back, the program has been an important part of preparing us for this transition.
Throughout the seven weeks, we learned valuable skills that we believe will guide us in university and in our future careers. We covered communication skill as one of the most important areas, we learned how to express ourselves confidently, listen actively, communicate respectfully and share our opinions without fear, with this skill we will be able to build positive relationship with people we will encounter in any environment.
The leadership sessions, which were very important, changed the way we view ourselves. We learned that leadership is not simply about having a position or being in charge of others. It is about responsibility, confidence, integrity, teamwork, supporting others and being willing to make a positive difference. The training encouraged us to believe in our abilities and to see ourselves as young women who can become leaders and role models in our communities.
We also gained hand on experience, like computer skills, practical skill like presentation, conducting research and digital communication which have made us more confident in using technology. These skills have helped us appreciate how important technology will be in our university education and future careers.
Another important lesson was decision-making. As we prepare to join university, we know that we will have greater independence and will face many choices. We learned to think carefully before making decisions, consider the consequences, seek guidance when necessary, and make choices that support our goals and values.
As we reflect on our journey, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to The Red Rubber Ball Foundation for supporting us throughout our secondary education. Their support has played an important role in helping us remain in school, complete our secondary education, and reach this important stage of our lives. Their belief in our potential has encouraged us to keep working hard and dreaming about a better future.
We are also deeply grateful to I-REP Foundation for sponsoring the seven-week leadership workshop and giving us an opportunity to gain skills that will help us transition into adulthood and university life. We appreciate the time, resources, and support invested in our growth and development.
Our experience at Nice Place Foundation has taught us that education is not only about what we learn in the classroom but also about developing confidence, discovering our strengths, making responsible choices, and preparing ourselves to face the world, as young girls from the marginalized community preparing to join university, we are excited about the journey ahead.
We know there will be challenges ahead, but we are leaving this program with greater confidence and a stronger belief in ourselves. We carry with us the lessons from the seven weeks, the support we have received throughout our education, and the encouragement from everyone who has believed in us. We are ready for the next chapter”.
Lucy from I-Rep on the left next to Claire, with Damaris and Franciscah on the right.
RRBF works with I-Rep Foundation, which identifies children in West Pokot county and helps co-ordinate our scholarships by liaising with the children, their families and schools.
Claire has now received an offer from Masinde Muliro University to study Education or Nursing; Damaris will take up a place at Chuka University to study Education; while Franciscah will take a degree in Medical Laboratory Science at Karatina University.