Inspiring Stories
From Struggle to Hope: Nancy Awour’s Journey to Empowerment
In Siaya County, Kenya, education has long been a cornerstone of community values. Under the leadership of a visionary chief, the county once produced more professors than any other in Kenya. Yet, despite this legacy, young women like Nancy often find themselves left behind. Nancy’s story is one of resilience. She grew up in Yala, a small town in Siaya County. After her father—the family’s breadwinner—passed away, her world crumbled. At just twelve, Nancy found herself helping her aunt sell Chang’aa (a potent local brew) and marijuana to make ends meet. This harsh reality is all too common for village kids. Survival takes precedence over education, especially for young girls who bear the brunt of family hardships.
At fifteen, Nancy became pregnant by an older man, hoping he could provide stability. Instead, she found herself alone, with her education derailed and her future uncertain. While boys in her community continued their schooling, girls like Nancy were left to navigate the challenges of survival.
But Nancy’s journey took a turn in 2025. For the first time in her life, at age twenty-seven, she touched a computer. Through Global Impact Innovators, she began learning the basics of technology—what a computer is, how it works, and how to navigate its digital landscape. The excitement was palpable; Nancy showed an eagerness to learn, asking questions and soaking up every bit of knowledge.
What makes Nancy’s journey truly remarkable is her vision for the future. She’s not just learning for herself—she’s preparing to return to Yala to help other young girls and her own daughter see that there are better paths. Education, training, and entrepreneurship can break the cycles of poverty and hardship.
Stay tuned for phase two of Nancy’s story, where she brings her newfound knowledge back to her village. With her determination and the tools she’s gaining, Nancy is poised to become a beacon of hope for her community, showing young people that it’s never too late to dream, learn, and transform their lives.
