17-year-old Neema of Loglogo Girls’ Secondary School in Marsabit, Kenya, has been honoured with the Young Achiever Award in recognition of her leadership, entrepreneurship, and commitment to creating positive change in her community.

The award was presented at a special celebration held at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Muthaiga, Nairobi, bringing together representatives from the King’s Trust International, Asante Africa Foundation, and I&M Foundation, along with other partners and community leaders.

Neema was accompanied by her school principal, Mdm. Rose Sagaram, for the two-hour celebration, which was led by Grace from King’s Trust International. The program featured remarks from the Chairperson of King’s Trust International and the British High Commissioner, followed by the screening of Neema’s success story.

Then it was Neema’s turn to speak.

She shared her journey, the inspiration behind her initiatives, and how learning to believe in her own ideas gave her the courage to turn them into action. At the end of her speech, the British High Commissioner presented Neema with the Young Achiever Award.

From a dry school compound to a growing enterprise

The recognition celebrates more than an award. It celebrates what Neema has built.

Growing up in Marsabit, Neema saw how prolonged drought and economic hardship affected families around her. Some of her classmates struggled to remain in school because their families could not afford essential supplies, uniforms, or transportation.

She began to wonder whether something as simple as planting trees could make a difference.

She envisioned a greener school compound that could provide shade and eventually create an opportunity to generate income. But at first, she lacked the confidence to act on her ideas.

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

That changed when Neema joined the Enterprise Challenge, delivered through Asante Africa Foundation’s Youth Livelihood Program.

Through practical activities such as the “Popup Shop” simulation, Neema developed skills in budgeting, planning, decision-making, teamwork, and problem-solving. She also strengthened her financial literacy, digital skills, and—perhaps most importantly—her confidence to take an idea and turn it into action.

For Neema, that action started with seedlings.

She began planting trees and fruit seedlings across the school compound, transforming an area that had long been dry and bare. She then began selling seedlings, fruit, and vegetables to people in the surrounding community.

What started as an idea became a small enterprise—and a source of possibility for others.

Growing more than trees

Today, the change at Loglogo Girls’ Secondary School is visible.

The once-bare compound is becoming greener, providing students with more shade and a cooler environment during the hottest hours of the day. Neema has also used income from her sales to help provide school supplies for classmates whose families are struggling financially.

But her impact extends beyond the school gates.

Neema organises tree-planting activities and encourages younger students to take action to protect their environment. Her example has also inspired members of the surrounding community to plant seedlings of their own.

Her enterprise has become something bigger than a way to earn money. It has become a way to address challenges she sees every day—from environmental degradation to barriers that keep young people from fully participating in education.

And in the process, Neema discovered her own capacity to lead.

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

A young leader recognized

The Young Achiever Award recognizes the qualities that Neema has demonstrated through her journey: initiative, resilience, entrepreneurship, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference beyond herself.

At the award celebration, Neema’s story was shared on screen before she took the stage to speak about what inspired her work. Her recognition by the British High Commissioner marked an important moment—not only for Neema, but for everyone who has supported her journey.

For Asante Africa Foundation, her story reflects the purpose of the Youth Livelihood Program: equipping young people with practical skills, confidence, and opportunities to become economic actors and community leaders.

Neema started with an idea she was once too afraid to pursue.

Today, she is planting trees, creating income, supporting classmates, inspiring her community—and showing what can happen when a young person has the skills and confidence to turn an idea into action.

Her story is proof that even in the driest places, something powerful can take root.