Empowered to Empower: My Journey with TWWP – Lydia Kithinji
twwpadminMy name is Lydia Muthoni Kithinji. I come from a humble family in Tharaka Constituency, Tharaka Nithi County. I am the second-born in a family of seven children, raised in love but also in deep hardship. In 2015, a few days after sitting for my Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), my life changed forever; I lost my father. His passing shattered our world. He was our provider, our protector and suddenly, he was gone. My mother, now a widow, was left to shoulder the heavy responsibility of raising and educating seven children on her own. That same year, both my elder sister and I were expected to join Form One. With school fees looming and basic needs barely met, the future looked uncertain and frightening.
I had scored 321 marks in KCPE, a result that should have brought pride and joy. Instead, I was filled with fear. Would I ever get to join high school? Would this be where my education ended? I remember watching my mother trying to stay strong, even as I could see the weight she carried every day.
After receiving my KCPE results, I applied for TWWP’s scholarship support and, by God’s grace, I was selected. This was not just financial aid; it was a lifeline. In December 2015, I officially became a beneficiary of the program, and in December 2016, I participated in the Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) organized by TWWP. This experience instilled values of dignity, self-worth, discipline and gave me a new understanding of womanhood outside harmful traditional practices.
TWWP consistently supported half of my school fees and provided personal shopping throughout my time in high school at Materi Girls’ Centre, one of the top-performing schools in the region. Their unwavering support allowed me to focus fully on my academics, as I was never sent home for lack of fees. Beyond financial assistance, the mentorship and motivational talks from past beneficiaries and coordinators created a strong support system, shaping my mindset, discipline, and confidence. These sessions helped me dream beyond my circumstances and gave me the strength to rise above challenges.
Thanks to TWWP’s support, I completed my secondary education, scoring C+ (52 points) in KCSE. This earned me a spot at Moi University, where I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, Media and Communication. On 19th December 2024, I successfully graduated with Second Class Honours – Upper Division in Linguistics, Media and Communication. I dedicate this achievement to my hard work, persistence, and the unwavering support of TWWP.
Today, I proudly wear many hats as: a Linguist, Corporate Communication Strategist and a Journalist. My long-term goal is to pursue a Master’s degree, followed by a PhD, focusing on communication and digital development. I aspire to work at both corporate and community levels, using media as a tool for advocacy, education and empowerment. Eventually, I hope to mentor young girls from Tharaka, as I was mentored, showing them that with the right support, their dreams are achievable.
Since October 2025, I have been volunteering at the Tharaka Women Welfare Programme, giving back to the system that shaped the woman I am today. During this period, I wrote and published a magazine titled “Empowering Futures”, which is available on TWWP’s website.
https://tharakawomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Empowering-Futures-2025.pdf
Additionally, during the yearly Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) seminar held from 23rd to 28th November 2025, I served as one of the facilitators, mentoring young girls on dangers of FGM, leadership, confidence and self – esteem. These experiences allowed me to contribute meaningfully to TWWP’s mission, using my skills and experiences to uplift the next generation of girls, just as I was uplifted years ago.
Welcoming the girls to the ARP seminar and inspiring them.
I sincerely thank Tharaka Women Welfare Programme for guiding me from a scared young girl to a proud university graduate and mentor. Your support gave me foundation, stability, and hope. You didn’t just help me go to school; you changed my life. I carry your lessons and love with me and promise to inspire others in the same way.
Thank you for believing in me.
