Tasha's inspirational journey of independence as a trained beautician.

Tasha*, 20-year-old, is the eldest in her family living with her mother and siblings in Gilgil, Kenya. The family resides in a modest 2-bedroom house built by Tasha's grandfather. It has a combined sitting room and bedroom that also functions as the kitchen. Their toilet is located outside the house. Electricity is provided through solar panels, and they obtain water from a neighbouring household. The compound serves as a playground for the children.

Her mother, who was the sole breadwinner, struggled to make ends meet, selling bhajia and eggs by the roadside, earning about 1.04 euros per day. This income barely covered their basic needs, making it challenging to afford food and school fees. 

Tasha's academic journey began in 2008 when she joined primary school at four years old, ultimately taking her KCPE exams in 2016, where she scored 251 marks. Progressing to the first secondary school, she ended up being suspended, leading her to transfer to another secondary school, where she completed her KCSE in 2021 with a C- grade. She would often miss school due to lack of school fees, which affected her academic performance. 

Tasha had bad company and started using drugs such as Alcohol, and bhang among others every day. 

Succumbing to addiction, she neglected personal hygiene and nutrition, spending her days with friends. Despite her mother's pleas for her to stop, Tasha continued down a destructive path, facing consequences such as arrest at the age of 18 years. She was vulnerable to exploitation. In 2022, she got pregnant by a man she met at a bar. They stayed together for a while but later went their separate ways and she went to stay with her mother. Sadly, she did not receive any support from the child’s father or the local welfare agency.

“ Life was bad. I would not care about anything or anyone.”She recalled.

In early 2023, Tasha caught the attention of a Nyumba Kumi member from her community who introduced her to the Training and Employment for Children and Youth at Risk of Sexual Exploitation project. The project, implemented by Terre des Hommes Netherlands, in partnership with K-NOTE, aims to combat sexual exploitation among youths aged 16 to 24 in Naivasha and Gilgil sub-counties by providing expanded economic opportunities and supportive local structures. 

Intrigued by the prospect of a fresh start, Tasha eagerly enrolled in a beauty course that spanned from February to August 2023. She gained skills in nail care, facials, waxing, and body massage, among others.

After successfully completing her NITA exams in December 2023, Tasha managed to secure employment. In January 2024, she landed a job at a salon, where her expertise was put to good use. She received a startup kit from the project, containing essential tools such as pedicure sets, gels, and manicure kits. She uses the kit to provide nail and beauty services to her neighbours. 

Additionally, Tasha underwent entrepreneurship skills training, where she learned the fundamentals of saving and managing a business effectively. Moreover, with access to a great mentor, she can seek guidance and counselling whenever needed.

From Monday to Sunday, Tasha's day begins as early as 5:00 am, as she completes household chores like washing utensils and tidying up the house. She cooks for her child (14 months old) and ensures her sisters are ready for school. Tasha heads to the salon with her child, around 7:30 am or 8:00 am, where she spends her day working until 9:00 pm.

During her shifts, her child rests on the massage bed while she attends to clients. 

Despite the long hours, Tasha is grateful for her job, where she earns approximately 1.7 euros per day, depending on the daily number of customers visiting the salon. During low peak seasons, she can earn approximately 0.6 euros per client.