About 2,500 vulnerable girls aged 18-24 in Isiolo County have experienced significant economic and social transformations through the Promoting Resilience, Inclusivity, and Meaningful Engagement (PRIME) Program.
Spearheaded by the Merti Integrated Development Program (MID-P) with support from Mercy Corps, the three-year initiative seeks to empower girls from eight wards by engaging them in livelihood-enhancing activities such as entrepreneurship, agriculture, and sexual and reproductive health.
Speaking during a stakeholder forum in Isiolo town, MID-P Program Manager Ibrahim Kabelo underscored the program’s mission to build resilience among young people.
“PRIME is focused on accelerating change through a stronger enabling environment that allows young people to access opportunities, services, and support to achieve their potential and live healthier lives for their economic growth,” Kabelo stated.
The program is designed to provide young women with essential life skills by linking them with community health promoters for access to health services, particularly reproductive health.
Additionally, the girls are connected with financial institutions and vocational training opportunities through both county and national government initiatives.
Kabelo also shared the long-term vision of the program, adding, “The objective is for young people to obtain agency, skills, social capital, and resources, preparing them for leadership roles and contributing to the well-being of their communities.”
During the reflection forum, community health promoters from various wards shared their insights on the program’s impact and the challenges faced.
Maria Goleti from Burat ward expressed her satisfaction with the program’s progress, stating, “Through the collaboration between MID-P and County community health volunteers, we have managed to save most of the young girls from early marriages and helped some of those who had dropped out of school to re-enroll.”
Another community health volunteer, Mahadho Momed from the Merti ward, highlighted the increased number of young mothers now accessing family planning services.
“The number of youth mothers visiting health facilities for family planning services has increased following this program,” she noted.
Amina Godana from Garbatulla ward shared success stories from the program, particularly in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes and fostering entrepreneurship among the girls.
“Some girls have ventured into farming, while others have started various business ventures, thanks to the training and support we have facilitated,” she explained.
The PRIME program continues to positively impact the lives of these young women, offering them the skills and resources they need to thrive and contribute to their communities.
