Our history

Wasamo Girls' Secondary School is the only girls' boarding school serving on Mfangano Island, a remote and isolated region in Homa Bay county, Kenya. Our institution stands as a beacon of hope in an area where girls' education faces significant challenges, particularly the pervasive issue of youth pregnancy.
Founded to address the pressing need for quality education for young women in our community, Wasamo Girls' Secondary School is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and gender disparities that have long affected our region.

We recognize that in Mfangano Island, where adolescent pregnancies and early marriages have become alarmingly common, our school plays a crucial role in changing narratives and opening doors to a brighter future.
We provide a safe and supportive environment for all our students, including young mothers who have bravely chosen to return to education. Our school actively works to combat the normalization of adolescent pregnancies and early marriages, which have historically hindered girls' educational and personal development in our community.

Our mission

Despite facing numerous challenges, including limited infrastructure and resources, we have seen remarkable growth.

From a low point of 37 students in June 2022 when the school was threatened with closure, we have steadily increased our enrollment to 120 students as of 2024. This growth is a testament to our commitment and the increasing community support for girls' education and the fight against youth pregnancy.
Our dedicated staff works tirelessly to provide not just academic instruction, but also comprehensive sex education, mentorship, empowerment, and a safe environment for our students to learn and grow.

We collaborate closely with local authorities,
community leaders, and organizations like Abiero Girls' Empowerment to ensure that every girl on Mfangano Island has the opportunity to pursue her dreams through education, free from the burden of early pregnancy and marriage.

Our values

Provide accessible, quality education to girls from Mfangano Island with a focus on increasing enrollment and retention rates.

 

Address societal issues such as child marriage, adolescent pregnancies, and gender-based violence through education, community engagement, and partnerships with local authorities.

 

Provide a supportive environment for young mothers to continue their education, breaking the cycle of dropped-out teenage parents.

 

Break the cycle of poverty by equipping our students with the tools they need to pursue higher education and meaningful careers, delaying early pregnancies and marriages.
 

Continuously improve our school infrastructure and resources to create a conducive learning environment, including better facilities, a sustainable feeding program, and essential amenities.

 

Collaborate with local authorities, community leaders, and organizations to advocate for girls' rights, education, and reproductive health.

 

Inspire our students to become agents of positive change, contributing to the sustainable development of Mfangano Island and Kenya as a whole.

 

Preserve and celebrate local culture while challenging harmful traditional practices that contribute to youth pregnancy and hinder girls' education.