For Magdalene Akinyi Otieno from Siaya County, social and financial education became a foundation for making her own choices.
As part of North Gem Community Development Program Kenya’s Future for Children project, Magdalene joined the Aflatoun Club at her school. There, she developed practical skills in self-awareness, saving, planning and decision-making.
After completing primary school in 2024, Magdalene was introduced to the AflaYouth curriculum, which opened up new possibilities in entrepreneurship and employability.
While her parents expected her to move directly into secondary school, Magdalene chose a vocational pathway that matched her goals. She enrolled in a one-year Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy course, completing it in 2025.
She did not wait until the end of her training to put her learning into practice. Magdalene began offering affordable hair and beauty services in her community, gradually building an income and a client base.
Today, she manages her small business and uses her social and financial skills every day—from working with clients to managing her income. Her next goal is to open her own hair salon.
Magdalene’s journey shows what can happen when young people have the skills, confidence and space to make decisions about their futures: they do not simply follow existing pathways; they create their own.
This story was shared by North Gem Community Development Program Kenya, an Aflatoun partner.
For collaboration, contact Anita Odhiambo at [email protected] or [email protected].