KAJIADO, Kenya — Valerie Wairimu has little downtime during breaks at Greenland Girls School in Kenya. The 19-year-old quickly attends to her son, Kayden, who is being cared for by the school’s dedicated nannies before she feeds him between classes.

A Unique Educational Model

Greenland Girls School is the only educational institute in Kenya specifically dedicated to teenage mothers and provides care for their children. For its 310 students and over 80 children, ranging from infants to toddlers, the school represents a second chance at education, free from stigma, and a model for reintegrating young mothers into the education system.

A Second Chance at Education

“When I found that I was pregnant, I didn’t have anywhere else to go,” said Wairimu, who excels in her classes and aspires to become a doctor. The boarding school, founded in 2015, has supported hundreds of girls and young women through secondary education while also caring for their children. Many graduates have gone on to successful careers in fields like government and medicine.

Addressing Challenges and Providing Support

The school connects students with social services and maintains relationships with teachers throughout Kenya. Wairimu, from western Kenya, was unable to afford childcare as a newborn and was referred to Greenland by her grandmother. Many students come from difficult backgrounds, including experiences of sexual assault and forced marriage.

Community and Family Support

Paul Mukilya, the school’s manager, explained that parental support is often lacking, requiring outreach officers to seek agreement from community elders for students to attend. “Some of the challenges which the students encounter are the family and the community. Most of them have failed to accept them the way they are,” Mukilya said. “When they come here, we take them through psychological counseling and mentorship.”

National Context and Expansion

Sex involving minors is illegal in Kenya, but the law primarily targets males. Greenland Girls School supports its students and works with local authorities, particularly in cases of underage marriage. More than 125,000 births in 2024 were to mothers under 19, according to Kenyan national statistics. Research indicates that pregnancy is a major reason girls drop out of school.

Expanding Access to Education

Responding to demand, Greenland Girls School is opening a second campus in Kilifi County. Dr. Githinji Gitahi, chief executive of Amref Health Africa, emphasized the importance of allowing girls to re-enter education after becoming pregnant and highlighted the role of specialized schools in bridging equity gaps. Students appreciate the stigma-free environment, which fosters learning.

“People used to judge me because I got pregnant,” said Mary Wanjiku, 20, whose son is almost 18 months old. She now hopes to become a lawyer.

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