WEST POKOT, Kenya, April 17, 2026 — Global Give Back Circle, in partnership with Perur Rays of Hope, today announced that 156 young women from some of Kenya’s most underserved communities have graduated from HER Lab, a transformative workforce-skills development program designed to prepare young women to lead, earn and build bright futures. HER Lab is paving the way for dignified and fulfilling work for young women in rural areas.
HER Lab, an initiative of the Global Give Back Circle, is being scaled up in Kenya in partnership with local community-based organizations Perur Rays of Hope and HELGA, who are the grass-roots implementation partners bringing the HER Lab model to life in their communities of West Pokot and Kajiado, while Circle Group Limited provides technical expertise. The program is aligned with Kenya’s national priorities, including the Economic Transformation Agenda, National Skill Development 2023, and Women’s Economic Empowerment Strategy.
The Class of 2026 includes young women from five counties, namely, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu and Baringo, across largely arid and semi-arid areas of the North Rift region where opportunity and economic prospects for young women remain limited.
The graduation ceremony was attended by dignitaries and community leaders including, Eunice Wakofula, Assistant Director of Education at the State Department of Higher Education, Dr. Justus Wabwile, Director of Technical Services at Technical and Vocational Education and Training, and West Pokot County Governor Simon Kachapin, highlighting the local and regional significance of investing in the economic empowerment of young women from rural communities.
“Graduates progress into dignified work, entrepreneurship, and leadership, contributing to local communities and the wider economy,” saidLinda Lockhart, Founder and CEO of Global Give Back Circle. “There continues to be strong demand for the HER Lab program, and we expect this powerful cycle of impact and opportunity to continue as the new generation steps forward to acquire the skills and confidence to shape their own futures,” Lockhart added.
Since its inception in 2013, HER Lab has educated and economically empowered more than 800 rural young women. In May 2026, an additional 150 participants will enroll in HER Lab West Pokot, while 123 young women are currently enrolled in HER Lab Kajiado. Over the next three years, Global Give Back Circle and partners aim to support 1,400 young women to transition into work, entrepreneurship, or further education.
HER Lab is a proven model of impact that demonstrates the power of investing in rural young women:
- 74% of graduates have transitioned into employment, entrepreneurship, or further education after completing the program.
- Immediately after the program, unemployment dropped from 60.9% to 35.2% among participants.
- Within one year, participants collectively saved over KES 1.7 million (approximately USD 13,000) through a Village Saving and Loans Association they established.
“We are proud that the HER Lab initiative is delivering tangible outcomes for young women and girls in hard-to-reach communities. Sustained investment is essential to build on these gains, and I urge donors to continue to support young women’s empowerment as a driver of inclusive and sustainable development,” said Dr. Mwende Munuve, Chief of Programs at Global Give Back Circle.
Caroline Menach, CEO of Perur Rays of Hope, said: “As the first cohort of HER Lab comes full circle, culminating in today’s graduation, we celebrate the remarkable journey of resilience, courage, and the power of dreams realized for the graduating class of 2026 at HER Lab West Pokot. This occasion reminds us that education is not just the transfer of knowledge; it is the energy that fuels possibility. At Perur Rays of Hope, we believe that every young woman carries within them the inherent ability to transform her community, to access dignified and fulfilling. May these graduates continue to shine, lighting paths for others and proving that when hope is nurtured, futures are limitless.”
The commitment to scale-up the HER Lab model comes at a critical moment, as global aid fell by up to 17 percent in 2025, following a 9 percent decline in 2024, amid historic cuts by major donors including France and Germany. The United Kingdom cut bilateral aid to Africa by 12 percent, while the United States reduced overseas aid contracts by more than 90 percent— underscoring the urgent need for the private sector and impact investors to help sustain progress for African women and girls.
Equipping Young Women for the Future
HER Lab is a post-secondary bridging program designed for the unique needs of rural, marginalized young women. Participants gain workforce readiness skills across diverse fields, including agriculture, digital literacy, coding, entrepreneurship, plumbing, electrical installations, and tailoring – several of which are traditionally male-dominated trades. Through mentorship, leadership development, career guidance, and hands‑on training, students gain both the confidence and the competencies needed to thrive in evolving job markets. The tailored training in professional, career-specific, and soft skills significantly enhances their chances of securing meaningful and dignified work.
Stephanie Cheyech, an ICT Operations Graduate, said: “Before HER Lab, I didn’t know how to use a computer. Now I’ve learned digital skills—I can use a computer, access information, and even explore online opportunities. I feel more confident in myself, and I know I can use these skills to earn a living and support myself going forward.”
“In my community, girls like me were expected to marry early and stay home. Today, I can wire an electrical circuit, something I never thought possible. I am planning to open a small business offering my services in our area so I can provide for my family and save for the future.” said Babra Cherop, Electrical Installation Graduate. I am not leaving HER Lab with just a certificate. I am leaving with direction, purpose, and the knowledge that I can stand on my own,” she added.
About Global Give Back Circle
Global Give Back Circle (GGBC) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunity for underserved young women through education, skills development, and mentorship. Working in partnership with local communities and global institutions, GGBC equips young women and girls with the tools they need to access employment, entrepreneurship, and further education, creating lasting impact for families and communities.
Since 2006, Global Give Back Circle has supported girls and young women across East Africa to build economic agency and transition into dignified and fulfilling work. Through a structured and holistic approach, more than 5,000 girls and young women have gained access to life skills, digital skills, workforce readiness training, and one-to-one mentorship to date.
About Perur Rays of Hope
Perur Rays of Hope was founded in 2014 and formally registered in 2021 dedicated to empowering women, protecting children, promoting education, and conserving the environment in West Pokot County. We work with communities and partners to build resilience through social justice, education, livelihood support, and environmental action.
Over this period, Perur Rays of Hope has been able to impact over 1,500 children from vulnerable households through education scholarships, build market relevant skills of over 620 young people deepen financial inclusion and shift community mindset through organizing and supporting over 480 women into saving groups. In line with Kenya’s ambition of planting 15 billion trees, Perur Rays of Hope has planted over 35,000 trees.
About Circle Group Ltd.
Circle Group Limited is a social enterprise incorporated in 2013 under the Companies Act (Cap 486), dedicated to empowering young people. The organization focuses on expanding access to education, skills development, and sustainable livelihood opportunities, particularly for young women from underserved communities in Kenya and across Africa. As a youth-led organization, Circle Group Limited works with development partners to translate and operationalize priorities into locally grounded, actionable programs while strengthening the capacity of grassroots organizations to deliver scalable and sustainable impact. It further collaborates with educational institutions and public-private sector partners to create inclusive pathways that enable young people to access work opportunities, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to society.
About HELGA
Humanitarian Efforts for Learning of the Girl-child In Africa (HELGA) is a grassroots community-based organization registered in 2020 to restore hope and dignity for marginalized girls and women in Kajiado County’s pastoralist communities. Born from a deep commitment to protecting the girl child, HELGA provides safe havens through the Grace Nanana Education and Rescue Centre, sponsors vulnerable learners, and equips youth with digital and entrepreneurial skills. To date, over 300 rescued girls have graduated, 67 youth have completed digital training, and six youth groups have gained livelihoods. Through the Economic Empowerment 4 HER project, HELGA provides school scholarships, adult literacy training, and holistic support—including remedial learning, psychosocial counseling, and livelihood pathways—to over 500 learners annually —standing firm against early marriage and FGM. With a 98% retention rate in schools, HELGA doesn’t just educate; it restores futures and builds resilient communities, one girl at a time.
