Introduction

Leadership is most powerful when it creates opportunities for others. For 11 alumnae of Pwani Teknowgalz, what began as a personal learning journey evolved into a mission to transform lives.Through their participation in the Ubuntu Lab Institute Transformative Leadership Program hosted at the Pwani Teknowgalz space, these young women did more than just build their own skills — they envisioned a solution to one of the most pressing challenges in their communities: the plight of teen mothers.

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From Idea to Action

During the challenge, the team channeled their ideas into a tangible prototype focused on equipping teen mothers with digital skills and pathways to economic empowerment.Led by Agneta Ingutia, the team presented their solution and emerged as the Kenyan winning team, securing $1,500 in seed funding to bring their vision to life.

 Bertha, one of  the co-founders, reflects:

We didn’t just want to teach code; we wanted to build a bridge. Seeing these young mothers realize that their journey isn’t over , that they can still be tech-savvy and financially independent  is why we do this.

The Birth of Digital Dadas Hub

At Pwani Teknowgalz, our commitment to empowering young women goes beyond graduation,we intentionally support them in translating their skills and ideas into real, community-driven impact. To make this possible, we provided our alumnae with a dedicated training space, access to high-quality digital equipment, continuous technical mentorship, and connections to a broader ecosystem of support. With this strong foundation, they were able to evolve their idea from a simple concept into a dynamic, fully operational initiative creating meaningful change.. This gave rise to the Digital Dadas Hub. a registered alumane led community based organization designed to empower teen mothers with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to regain control of their lives.Digital Dadas Hub offers a holistic approach in equiping teen mothers with Digital literacy Graphic design Entrepreneurship training Maternal health awareness and mental health it is a safe and inclusive space where young mothers can learn, grow, and dream again.

Creating Lasting Change

The impact of the Digital Dadas Hub is already spreading throughout the community. The  three-month program equips teen mothers with practical, income-generating digital skills, helping them rebuild their confidence, self-worth, and access new economic opportunities.They recently celebrated the graduation of their  first cohort of 20 teen mothers who have completed the program and are now stepping into their own journeys of independence and empowerment.

In a compelling testimonial, Fatma Sheban, a student at Digital Dadas Hub, shares how the program has transformed her life.Fatma Sheban participated in a comprehensive training program where she gained proficiency in graphic design, digital literacy, and artificial intelligence. By putting these concepts into practice, she mastered the creation of professional assets such as posters and CVs, which directly enabled her to generate an income. Beyond the technical curriculum, the program provided her with a transformative learning environment complete with laptops and Wi-Fi that fostered a growth mindset and bolstered her professional development.Watch her full story

This transformation goes beyond the individua,it creates ripple effects across generations .Zeinab, co-founder, explains:

“Empowering a teen mother with digital tools doesn’t just change her life; it transforms her child’s future and strengthens the wellbeing of the entire community.”

 A Scalable Model for Change

This initiative highlights a powerful and scalable model:  Alumnae-led innovation supported by mentorship and ecosystem supportIt By investing in this youth-led, community-driven model. We are investing in a scalable engine of change. When an alumna leads, she doesn’t just change her own life,she redefines what is possible for every teen mother who follows in her footsteps. This is how we move from helping a few to empowering thousands.