I recently met five young women – Aurelia, Maryam, Alice, Dora and Rita – who have their eyes firmly set on the future. Each of them has a clear plan for the career they are going to pursue.

Aurelia (studying ICT) wants to open the area’s first cybercafé; Maryam (studying fashion) has spotted a demand for menswear tailoring; Alice (studying plumbing) has already got a glowing reference from the next-door hospital where she refitted all the toilets; Dora (studying fashion) wants to open a small factory; and Rita (studying beauty) wants local brides to come to her for makeup, instead of going to the nearest city.

At 19 years of age and having been out of the formal school system since the age of 9 or 10, these young women have been supported by the Education for Life project, led by Action Aid and funded by UK aid through the Girls’ Education Challenge.

Initially they were enrolled in catch up centers where they received literacy, numeracy and life skills training. They finished those classes last summer and are now all receiving training at a Vocational Training Centre in Kenya.

The project pays the annual fees, organizes an on-site nursery and advocates for admission despite the lack of formal schooling.

Three of these young women are mothers and the others were working with their families on farms or doing occasional labor, with no real prospects of solid, long-term employment. They all say that before they joined the project, they did not feel they had any prospects and that their lives were unlikely to change. They saw college and careers as something for other people, not themselves.

The girls board at the training center which means they are safer and do not have to travel long distances, which is especially difficult for the young mothers. Childcare is on offer when the girls are in their classes - although it is not unusual to see some of the smaller babies in the classrooms or travelling around the center on their mother’s backs!

With the help of career counsellors, they identified their interests and skills. Aurelia had always found the use of technology intuitive and easy so had chosen that path, with plans to open a cybercafé to serve the local community.

She is certain that there is a significant demand from people without connections at home who want to use Facebook, keep up with national affairs, apply for jobs, or simply keep in touch with people online.

At the same time, she understands that this ambition comes with challenges and expenses. She is already looking for advice and support on start-up costs and potential loans.

Alice, who is studying plumbing, found she had a natural aptitude and was described as ‘one of our stars’ by the Principal. Indeed, she was chosen to refit the toilets of a small local hospital who were looking for local support instead of using a more costly, out-of-town plumbing company.

Alice is not fazed by studying with a group of mostly boys – or the prospect of moving into a traditionally male profession. She says she will work hard to get her certificate to show to potential clients and collect references – she already has some from the work she did at the local government hospital. She will also show people what she can do – literally proving it to them in person.

Rita also has a sound business strategy. She has understood that most women are prepared to spend money on professional makeup when they marry, and will focus on bridal makeup as her career.

When asked whether they would consider moving away, taking their qualifications and skills to a larger town or city, they all said that they want to stay where they are so that they can bring more jobs and wealth to the economy of the local community.

I came away from our meeting impressed and inspired by their determination and self-confidence. The impact of this project on their lives has been truly transformative. It also showed me very clearly that when young women see other people believing and investing in their potential, their self-belief and ambition can soar.