By Mercy Njoroge
On February 23, 2025, the JHR Canada and Kenya teams visited Greenland Girls School in Kajiado County, ahead of the African Media Festival. The visit was part of a follow-up interview for the JHR podcast with the school’s founders, conducted by JHR Ambassador and podcast host Lisa LaFlamme. Lisa first visited the school two years ago when she filmed a mini-documentary showcasing its impact on teenage mothers seeking a second chance at education.
Greenland Girls School, located 45 kilometers from Nairobi, provides a safe space for teenage mothers to continue their studies while caring for their children. Founded in 2021 by Purity Gikunda and Samuel Mukilya, the school was created to combat the widespread stigma that forces teenage mothers out of education. In her previous role as a social worker, Purity saw firsthand how society had shunned teenage mothers, leading to shame and school dropouts. Determined to change this, she co-founded Greenland Girls School to give these young women an opportunity to rebuild their futures.
The school’s mission gained national attention when JHR-trained journalist Moraa Obiria published a feature in the Daily Nation, sparking widespread media coverage and attracting support from corporations and well-wishers. In 2023, Lisa LaFlamme’s documentary on the school further amplified its story, leading to international recognition and increased donations to support its students.
During the recent visit, Lisa reflected on the school’s growth and the resilience of its students.
“It is heartwarming to see the girls’ urge to get an education and their resilience and determination to embrace this journey to study and make their lives better. When I was here two years ago, I spoke to [student] Sarafina [Naishole, pictured] and at the time, she was so shy but today, she is a completely different person. She is confident, outspoken and ready to conquer the world,” said Lisa.
Purity emphasized the impact of media coverage on the school’s development. “I started the school to give the girls a second chance at an education and to defy the status quo on teenage mothers,” she said. “Through the story published in the Nation newspaper, the school has received massive support and this year alone, we have enrolled 107 teen mums and their babies.”
Greenland Girls School continues to be a beacon of hope for teenage mothers, demonstrating the power of education in transforming lives. With each new student enrolled, the school challenges societal norms and reaffirms that young mothers deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
