Maseno University Strengthens Support for Young Mothers through TECH4SM EU Project
Maseno University on 19 May 2026 hosted a distinguished delegation from the TECH4SM EU Project during a courtesy call held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Boardroom. The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Planning, Research and Innovation, Prof. Regina Nyunja.
The visit brought together key project partners, including representatives from the Rwanda TVET Board, The University of the Aegean (Greece), Action Synergy (Greece), MSGR. Mubiligi Catholic Technical Secondary School (Rwanda), Kisumu County Government and Akado VCT Centre (Kenya). The engagement provided a platform for partners to align on their roles in supporting young mothers through education, health services and economic empowerment.
Leading the project at Maseno University is Prof. Maureen Olel, Dean, School of Education, who shared critical insights into the challenges faced by student mothers. She highlighted that many young women are forced to abandon their education and career paths due to pregnancy, often compounded by stigma, neglect and lack of institutional and community support.
Prof. Olel noted that these realities informed the development of the TECH4SM project, which seeks to ensure that young mothers are reintegrated into the education system after childbirth. The initiative focuses on providing holistic support tailored to their needs, including access to healthcare, psychosocial support and opportunities for continued learning.
Through collaboration with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, the project also equips beneficiaries with practical skills aimed at enhancing their economic independence. In addition, parents and communities are actively engaged to foster supportive environments that encourage young mothers to pursue education while safeguarding their mental well-being.
In her remarks, Prof. Nyunja reaffirmed Maseno University’s commitment to community-centered initiatives, expressing pride in the institution’s role in advancing the TECH4SM EU Project. She emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing societal challenges and shaping a more inclusive future for vulnerable groups.
The courtesy call underscored the value of international collaboration in driving impactful, sustainable solutions and reaffirmed Maseno University’s leadership in promoting education, research and community transformation.