Dedan
Dedan is a 26-year-old young man from rural eastern Kenya. He grew up in a poor household with his single mother, who also has learning disabilities. For many years Dedan remained in school with no clear path for life after education. Mild-mannered and shy, he could manage basic self-care with reminders, and he showed particular ability in housework and caring for small animals.
Teacher Janet from Sahajanand Special School attended Advantage Africa’s ‘Transition Training’ and quickly started applying her new skills. She noticed Dedan’s natural interest in caring for animals and began working closely with his extended family to explore goat rearing as a practical livelihood option. She made several home visits and also invited family members to the school so they could see Dedan’s progress first-hand. Goats were agreed as a good choice: the family already had some land, they reproduce quickly, provide milk, and can be sold for income. With growing encouragement, Dedan’s mother, uncle, and cousin became actively involved. They proudly attended his graduation, reassured that he now had a clear and realistic plan for the future.
With a small COSARAF grant, Dedan was able to start his goat-rearing project at home. The family, once unsure what he could do after school, have embraced the idea and now actively support him. Follow-up visits and phone calls show encouraging progress. Dedan is more confident, happier to be out of school and one of his goats is already about to give birth.
Dedan’s transition shows the power of targeted support. With encouragement, training, and a modest grant, a young man once stuck in school is now building a livelihood, contributing to his family, and looking forward to a more secure future.
