Asante Africa Celebrates Neema’s Young Achiever Award For Turning Dryland Into Community Opportunity

The 17-Year-Old Kenyan Student Built A Seedling Enterprise That Greens Her School And Helps Classmates Stay Equipped For Learning

Livermore, CA (PRUnderground) October 29th, 2026

Asante Africa Foundation celebrates Neema, a 17-year-old student at Loglogo Girls’ Secondary School in Marsabit, Kenya, who has received the Young Achiever Award for her entrepreneurship and community leadership. Through a growing seedling enterprise, Neema is helping transform her school’s dry grounds while using income to support classmates facing financial hardship.

The British High Commissioner presented the award during a celebration at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Muthaiga, Nairobi. Representatives from King’s Trust International, Asante Africa Foundation, and I&M Foundation joined other partners and community leaders to recognise her achievements.

Neema developed her initiative after participating in the Enterprise Challenge, delivered through Asante Africa Foundation’s Youth Livelihood Program. The experience helped her build the practical skills and confidence needed to pursue an idea rooted in challenges she saw around her.

An Idea Inspired By Everyday Challenges

Growing up in Marsabit, Neema witnessed how prolonged drought and economic hardship affected local families. Some classmates struggled to remain in school because their families could not afford essential supplies. Uniforms and transportation created additional pressure on already stretched household budgets.

Looking at her school’s dry compound, Neema imagined what planting trees could accomplish. A greener environment could provide shade while creating an opportunity to generate income. At first, however, she struggled to find the confidence to begin.

“I had thoughts about what could change, but I didn’t have the courage to start.”

Joining the Enterprise Challenge gave her a practical way to develop that idea. Activities such as the “Popup Shop” simulation introduced her to budgeting and business planning. Working with others also helped her strengthen her decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

As her financial literacy improved, Neema became more confident about putting her learning into practice. She began with seedlings planted across the school compound.

A Growing Enterprise With A Shared Purpose

Neema planted trees and fruit seedlings in areas that had long remained dry and bare. She then began selling seedlings, fruit, and vegetables to people in the surrounding community.

Her work is bringing visible change to Loglogo Girls’ Secondary School. The compound is becoming greener, with more shade helping provide a cooler environment during the hottest hours.

Income from her sales has also helped provide school supplies for classmates whose families are struggling financially. By connecting her enterprise with the needs of fellow students, Neema has created a practical way to support participation in education.

Her efforts extend beyond the school grounds. She organises tree-planting activities and encourages younger students to take responsibility for protecting their environment. Members of the surrounding community have also been inspired to plant seedlings of their own.

“Our land was dry, but I learned that hope can grow anywhere.”

A Celebration Of Student-Led Change

Neema attended the two-hour award celebration with her school principal, Mdm. Rose Sagaram. Grace from King’s Trust International led the program, which included remarks from the organisation’s Chairperson and the British High Commissioner.

Guests watched a screening of Neema’s success story before she took the stage. She described the inspiration behind her initiatives and explained how believing in her ideas helped her find the courage to act.

Following her speech, the British High Commissioner presented her with the Young Achiever Award. The recognition honours the initiative and resilience she has demonstrated through her enterprise and community work.

For everyone who has supported her journey, the celebration offered an opportunity to recognise how far she has come. An idea she once felt unable to pursue now benefits her classmates and inspires action within her community.

Practical Learning That Gives Ideas A Starting Point

At Asante Africa Foundation, we help young people build skills they can apply to the challenges and opportunities around them. Our Youth Livelihood Program connects practical learning with preparation for entrepreneurship and community leadership.

Neema’s experience reflects that purpose through action. She identified a concern within her school and used her developing business skills to respond. Her enterprise now connects environmental improvements with support for students who need essential learning supplies.

Her recognition highlights the value of giving young people space to test their ideas. With guidance and practical experience, students can develop initiatives shaped by their own knowledge of their communities.

Help Another Young Idea Take Root

We’re helping young people build the confidence and practical skills to turn ideas into community action. Visit our contact page to connect with Asante Africa and get involved today.

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Asante Africa Foundation
info@asanteafrica.org