Breaking Barriers: Gladys Yama’s Bold Leap into the Boda-Boda World

At the core of Maandani, nestled within Kilifi County’s Kaloleni subcounty, 23-year-old Gladys Mghoi Yama stands as a testament to resilience and determination. As the eldest of three sisters raised by their devoted grandmother, Gladys has always carried the weight of responsibility for her family. Despite her efforts, finding a job after graduating from Maandani Secondary School in 2021 with a D- proved an uphill battle.

Gladys’s search for employment was met with closed doors and missed opportunities for three years. Yet, her spirit remained unbroken. Her turning point came through the MasterCard Foundation’s innovative training program, which opened her eyes to the possibilities within the boda-boda industry, a sector typically dominated by men but ripe with financial potential.

Gladys’s enthusiasm for the boda-boda trade was more than just a career choice; it was a bold step towards gender equality and economic empowerment. The training she received was nothing short of transformative. It equipped her with critical customer service skills to attract and retain clients and entrepreneurial knowledge to navigate the competitive landscape. Importantly, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) provided essential road safety training, ensuring she could ride with confidence and competence.

Having successfully passed her riding exams, Gladys now eagerly awaits her driving license, ready to start her journey on the road. Her initial plan is to work as a rider for another owner, meticulously saving her earnings to eventually buy her motorbike.

The gratitude Gladys feels towards the Safal MRM Foundation and MasterCard Foundation runs deep. Their support has not just offered her training, but a lifeline, and a means to lift her family out of financial struggle and towards a brighter, more secure future. For Gladys, this opportunity transcends a mere program; it is the foundation upon which she will build a new life, one ride at a time.

Gladys Yama at Mabati Technical Training Institute

Be part of our journey of changing lives: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/employment-opportunities-for-500-youth-in-kilifi/

8 thoughts on “Breaking Barriers: Gladys Yama’s Bold Leap into the Boda-Boda World

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *