How Two Women Are Rewriting Futures in Kakuma Refugee Camp
Two women are transforming lives in Kakuma refugee camp through education and mentorship. Lady Marième Jamme, founder of IamtheCode, teaches coding to empower young women and girls, creating a safe space for them to learn, eat, and connect with mentors. Her work has inspired others, including Chelia Rose Clement, a South Sudanese refugee who now mentors girls in the same camp where she once lived.
Lady Marième Jamme's journey began with her own struggles, which drove her to help others. In 2011, she met Chelia Rose Clement, then a young refugee in Kakuma. Their connection grew into a lasting mentorship, with Jamme later employing Clement and supporting her ambitions.
IamtheCode runs programmes in Kakuma, offering girls a safe space to learn, eat, and connect with mentors. The name holds two meanings: 'you are the code'—the belief that everyone has the power to reshape their future—and empowerment through technology. Jamme's goal is to teach one million girls to code by 2030, seeing it as a route to independence.
Chelia Rose Clement now mentors girls in the same camp, passing on the strength she gained from Jamme. She plans to pursue a PhD while continuing her work. Both women define solidarity differently but with the same focus on action. For Jamme, it means sharing knowledge and resources. For Clement, it's about giving voice to those often unheard.
Kakuma itself is changing, transitioning from a refugee camp to a regular community under Kenya's 2021 Refugee Act. The shift brings new opportunities for residents like Clement and the girls she supports.
Through IamtheCode, Jamme and Clement provide more than just coding lessons. Girls in Kakuma gain skills, meals, and connections to global mentors. The work continues, with Jamme's 2030 target still ahead and Clement preparing for further education while guiding the next generation.
