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Noven’s Journey: From Student to Changemaker

Noven Owili joined Team Kenya’s program in 2007 while in Class 7, during a difficult time in her life. Living with her mother and siblings under a leaking iron sheet roof and cracked walls, education seemed out of reach — until Team Kenya stepped in. With their support, Noven completed high school and college, eventually self-sponsoring her Bachelor of Commerce degree at KCA University.

She went on to build a successful career in finance and community development, working with Harambee DT Sacco and Nila Pharmaceuticals. Her proudest achievement? Building a permanent home for her mother, replacing the broken structure they once lived in.

Now, Noven has come full circle. She envisions working with Team Kenya and Twende Pamoja as a consultant — supporting field teams, improving financial systems, and giving back to the very community that helped shape her future.

Noven’s Story: In Her Own Words

 I’m so excited to share my story, because Team Kenya has truly shaped who I am today.

I Noven Owili joined the program back in the year 2007 while I was in Class 7, when life at home was tough. My mum and my siblings lived under a leaking iron sheet roof, cracked walls and education felt like a distant dream.

But Team Kenya believed in me — supporting me all the way through high school, college, and through this, I then managed to sponsor myself for Bachelor of Commerce at KCA University. With that support, I built a career in finance and community development — working at Harambee DT Sacco and Nila Pharmaceuticals.

But my proudest moment!! Building a permanent house for my mother, replacing the cracked walls and leaking roof that once stood over us. Seeing her joy is something I’ll never forget.

Now, I’ve come full circle — envisioning working with Team Kenya and Twende Pamoja as a consultant, helping clean up reports, support field teams, and improve financial transparency. If given the chance, I want to be part of shaping a stronger, more confident local team.

“I’m living proof that when you invest in one girl, you uplift a whole family.”

A Mother’s Thank You: Gertrude’s Words.

“Team Kenya didn’t just support Noven — they supported my other daughters, Esline and Sheila too at some point in their life. I’ve watched my girls grow into strong, responsible women, and that brings me so much joy. As a mother, there’s nothing more powerful than seeing my children rise because someone believed in them. I will always be thankful to Team Kenya for walking with me and my children. Today, I live in a safe, permanent house — a dream I never thought would come true. With the help of my children, including my son, I finally have a home where I can rest peacefully, and for that, I am deeply grateful.”