Janet is a 21-year old mother, and is also financially responsible for her grandmother, mother and sister. Although she says she doesn't always have enough food, and never finished high school, she is ambitious and resourceful. She aspires to become a business star and role model and explains that "life is what you make it." This project will support Janet with training, uniforms, a backpack, sales materials and products like solar lamps, which she can sell again and again.
Prior to working with LivelyHoods, some of our youth were stealing, some were washing cars, and some had children of their own with little means to support them. Unemployed youth in urban slums cost millions in lost potential and contribute to civil unrest and insecurity, compounding social issues in a country with 75% youth unemployment. Why not leverage Janet's talent, creativity and potential towards creating change in her community?
This microproject will give Janet a job with meaning at iSmart. iSmart is a door-to-door sales force employing high-potential, disadvantaged youth to sell hard-to-find and socially responsible products, such as clean-burning cook stoves, in Nairobi's slums. Youth once excluded from the formal job market have the opportunity to become economically empowered, and slum residents gain access to goods that don't normally penetrate their neighborhoods.
For Janet, this job represents a transformative shift from a life of instability, insecurity and dependence to a life of freedom, dignity and pride. Some of our youth have tripled their income, savings and have been able to afford school fees for their children and siblings. After working with us, our youth report an increase in their confidence and visions for the future. Former employees have gone on to become teachers, pursue their education, and start businesses.
