“Today, I am no longer defined by the obstacles that made me leave university. I am defined by the determination to keep learning, keep growing, and build a brighter future for my daughter.”

Where it all began

For many young mothers, pursuing a career while raising a child can feel impossible. Financial responsibilities, limited opportunities, and interrupted education often force ambitious women to put their dreams on hold. At just 24 years old, Melvine Okeyo refused to let those challenges define her future.Living in Mombasa and initially pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Melvine dreamed of building a successful career in technology not only for herself, but to create a better future for her young daughter. Like many young women across Kenya, however, financial hardship threatened to end that dream before it could fully begin.

When Life Interrupted Her Education

Unable to afford university tuition, Melvine made the heartbreaking decision to pause her studies.The setback affected more than her education.It meant watching her peers move ahead while she struggled with uncertainty. It meant questioning whether she would ever build the career she had envisioned. Most importantly, it meant wondering whether she could provide the future she wanted for her daughter.For many young mothers, this is where the story ends.For Melvine, it became the beginning of a new chapter.

A Second Chance 

Determined not to give up, Melvine joined Digital Dadas, an intiaitive led by pwani Teknowgalz alumnae to equip teen mothers with Foundational digital skills. What began as an opportunity to learn quickly became a turning point.She rediscovered her confidence, strengthened her digital literacy, and reignited her passion for technology. More importantly, she began believing that her career ambitions were still within reach.

               

Building Skills Through CodeHack

With renewed confidence, Melvine advanced into Pwani Teknowgalz’s CodeHack Program, where she received intensive, hands-on training designed to prepare young women for careers in technology.Through the accelerator, she developed practical, industry-relevant skills, including:

  • Front-end web development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Programming fundamentals and software development best practices.
  • Version control using Git and GitHub.
  • Building responsive, real-world web applications.
  • Team collaboration, project management, and problem-solving.

Ready for the Next Opportunity

Melvine’s journey demonstrates that impact is not only measured by employment outcome,it is also measured by preparedness, confidence, and opportunity. Today, she has successfully completed both the Digital Dadas and CodeHack Accelerator programs and is equipped with practical software development skills that employers are looking for. She is actively seeking internships, freelance projects, and entry-level software development opportunities where she can continue learning while contributing meaningful value.

 “Although I have not secured a job yet, I now have the skills and confidence to apply for internships, freelance work, and entry-level opportunities. I am building a strong portfolio and preparing myself for a career in technology.”

She represents the next generation of women in technology: resilient, adaptable, technically skilled, and eager to build solutions that make a difference. When barriers to education are replaced with opportunities to learn, grow, and gain practical experience, the impact extends far beyond one individual. Young mothers gain the confidence to pursue meaningful careers. Families benefit from greater economic stability. Communities gain skilled professionals who contribute to local innovation and development.