Raised by a single mother, Ivy grew up in Kakamega, a large city in western Kenya. Along with her three siblings, Ivy experienced an upbringing of financial hardship and witnessed her mother’s persistent efforts to provide for their basic needs and pay for school fees. Ivy was diligent in school and in spite of the struggle, she didn't give up on achieving her academic goals. However, life became even more challenging when she unexpectantly became pregnant, and she and her baby depended even more on the help of her mother.
Shortly after having her child, Ivy was offered an opportunity for her and her baby to attend a Young Lives camp experience with Young Life. The love and support of leaders and other moms and the messages about the love of Jesus changed everything for Ivy as she made a commitment to Christ. Following camp, she grew in faith and confidence as a mom, drawing on the support of mentors and her own mother. She even returned to school and accomplished her goal of completing secondary school.
Now as a Developing Global Leader, she serves as a Young Life leader in her community and is pursuing a degree in education at Masinde Muliro University. Ivy shares, “I selected teaching so that I can be able to reach other young girls who are in same condition as me,” offering skills, support, and the light of Jesus to young women in her community. Ivy will be the first in her family to graduate from university.
