My name is Juliet Achieng, a 30-year-old mother of two, Joy and Meshack. I was only able to study up to class 8 because my parents could not afford to take me further in school. After completing class 8, I was fortunate to get a sponsorship in 2020 to join St. Anthony Technical College, where I studied Hairdressing and Beauty.

While in school, I came into contact with the AOSK-SLYI team through youth forums, sports activities, and even during their evaluation visits. When I completed my course in 2021, they supported me to start my own salon business called “Marion Beauty Parlour.

This business has enabled me to provide for my children and my family by paying school fees, meeting daily needs, and reinvesting in the salon through purchasing products. Like any other business, I have faced challenges, such as a lack of customers at times and experiencing family difficulties, but I have remained determined to keep the business that I rely on standing strong.

I began my salon in Lwak, later moved it to Nairobi near the University of Nairobi in 2023, and eventually relocated it to Kisumu Town. The Nairobi University area was seasonal; during long holidays, there were no customers, while Kisumu provided more consistent business.

Through my work, I have trained four young people in hairdressing and employed two staff members in my shop. I can pay their wages, cover rent, and still support my family.

To be honest, AOSK-SLYI has been a great blessing in my life. They helped me discover who I am and what I am capable of. At the time they found me, I was experiencing a lot of abuse in my marriage, but through the business they helped me start, my life was transformed. Today, I live in peace, and I look forward to growing my business further so that I can become a role model to other young people.

I sincerely thank Sr. Pauline of St. Anthony Technical College, AOSK-SLYI, and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation for completely transforming my life.

My name is Beryl Awuor Okech, a graduate of Fashion and Design from Acilla Vocational Training Institute, Eldoret. Through this institution, I was blessed to connect with AOSK, who, out of their kindness and generosity, supported me with fashion and design machines to start my business.

I officially began my journey in July 2021, and since then, I have been running my fashion and design business with dedication and passion. Like any start-up, the beginning was not easy. I faced several challenges. But with perseverance, I have learned to cope, adapt, and grow stronger.

Through this opportunity, I have gained valuable exposure to the market, where I interact with many people and build strong customer relationships. I continuously discover and create new designs, sharpening my creativity and innovation. My business has enabled me to earn an income, ensuring I can provide for my needs and “put something on the table.” My skills have greatly improved, making me more confident and resourceful in my work. This experience has not only shaped me as an entrepreneur but also made me more resilient, creative, and hopeful for the future.

While the journey has been rewarding, I have also faced challenges: The fashion business is seasonal, and during low seasons it can be discouraging. High competition affects pricing and customer retention. Dealing with clients with different personalities can sometimes be difficult. Despite these obstacles, I continue to push forward, determined to grow my brand and make my business sustainable.

I sincerely thank the Conrad Hilton Foundation and AOSK for believing in me and giving me this rare and precious opportunity. Your support has changed my life, improved my skills, and given me the courage to dream bigger. I look forward to expanding my business, overcoming challenges, and becoming a role model for other young people in the fashion industry. May God bless the Conrad Hilton Foundation and AOSK abundantly for the kindness and opportunities you continue to give to many youths like me.

My name is Brian Muga Muriithi, a 23-year-old youth champion and founder of AQUABRIM WATER SERVICES, a water enterprise proudly supported by the AOSK-SLYI program. I hail from Sagana in Kirinyaga County, and I am affiliated with Sagana Technical Training Institute. I hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Meru University and I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Construction. You may be wondering how my journey began, let’s rewind to August 2022.

Becoming a Youth Champion

During the AOSK-SLYI holiday mentorship program at Sagana Technical, I was deeply inspired by the talk given by Br. John Gachoki. When he asked for volunteers passionate about mentorship, I stepped forward, determined to pursue my dream. That decision connected me to the AOSK-SLYI Youth Champion Training at Dimesse Sisters, Karen, Nairobi.

Together with 74 young people from across the country, I was trained in five key areas: Gender-Based Violence, Drug and Substance Abuse, Mental Health, Relationships, and Human Trafficking. We were commissioned by Sr. Pasilisa (Executive Secretary) and Sr. Mercy Mwayi (then Program Manager) to reach out and mentor as many youths as possible.

I quickly put the training into practice: mentoring youth at Makima Parish in Embu Diocese, supporting youth groups in Marsabit, and engaging student groups at Meru University. Among my proudest achievements was spearheading the formation of a United Nations Human Rights Chapter at Meru University, in response to human trafficking challenges affecting vulnerable students. I also worked tirelessly to promote mental health awareness and counseling services within the institution.

By the end of the first quarter, I was privileged to represent youth champions at the AOSK Annual General Meeting in Nakuru, a turning point that affirmed my leadership journey.

Recognition and a New Vision

Through continuous peer mentorship, I grew both personally and socially, and by November 2023, at the close of AOSK-SLYI Phase One, I had mentored over 5,000 youths. For this effort, I was honored as the Best Youth Champion.

This award opened new doors: I had the chance to pitch my water business idea to the AOSK leadership and partners, including Sr. Pasilisa, Sr. Mercy, Mr. Herman, Madam Caroline, Mr. Brighton, and Br. John. They believed in me and pledged support.

Founding Aquabrim Water Services

In early 2024, I developed a detailed business plan and pitched it to a panel. I was successfully awarded KES 515,000 to establish my dream. On 1st July 2024, Aquabrim Water Services was officially launched and blessed by Meru University Chaplain, Dr. Fr. Elias Kinoti, at our facility along the Meru-Makutano road.

Together with my close friend and partner, Mr. Bernard Vaati, we embarked on a journey of resilience and growth.

Our Impact So Far

In just one year and two months (as of September 3, 2025), AQUABRIM has:

• Supplied clean, safe water to over 200 students at Meru University, KeMU, and Meru Polytechnic.
• Served more than 500 households in Meru and Makutano.
• Delivered water to over 30 businesses.
• Won five tenders with organizations including CEMES, Mwalimu National (Meru branch), Solution Sacco, Centenary Sacco, and Meru University.
• Supplied packaged water for numerous events, weddings, graduations, funerals, and traditional ceremonies (ruracio).
• Signed a long-term MOU with Cloud Water Packaging Company, strengthening our supply chain.

Like any business, ours has not been without challenges. We faced hurdles with licensing, machine breakdowns, drops in water quality, rental debts, customer dissatisfaction, and even months of declining revenue. But these obstacles sharpened our resolve. Through better marketing, improved systems, and persistence, we reversed the decline and regained momentum.

Beyond business, AQUABRIM has empowered me to finance my Master’s studies, support myself, and strengthen my resilience. It has deepened my love for entrepreneurship and given me a greater purpose: to mentor others and prove that with vision, discipline, and support, young people can transform their lives and communities.

This journey has been the greatest gift from AOSK-SLYI with support from the Conrad Hilton Foundation and a testimony of God’s grace. I am grateful to the Conrad Hilton Foundation, my mentors, friends, and customers who have walked this path with me.

As a young man, I intend to build on this foundation, mentor others to start their own ventures, and continue serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for my generation.