Establish Girls' Empowerment Centre in Rural Kenya

First and foremost, on behalf of all beneficiaries of Nyanza Initiative for Girls’ Education and Empowerment (NIGEE) – Kenya, we would like to say a big thank you to all our donors. We have been able to raise £7,821 to date. This was possible due to your generous contribution during and after the Challenge. During the period under review (November 2015 – January 2016), NIGEE has initiated the process of establishing the Girls’ Empowerment Centre (GEC) within Kisumu. We have:

• The team conducted a staff planning meeting to strategize on how to implement the project. During the meeting, action plans and strategies were developed on how to fast track the set-up of the GEC.
• So far the premise to host the GEC has been identified and renovations are ongoing (see Photo 1 below). The centre is designed to offer vocational training on hair dressing, computer literacy, tailoring, printing, videography designing and editing, etc. It will also offer a safe space for victims of sexual violence. The renovations are expected to be finalized by end of January 2016.
• The signpost/signboard for direction has already been designed and currently the painting is underway (Photo 2).
• To ensure smooth running of the project, a Training Coordinator has been recruited to coordinate the GEC activities. The training coordinator has 2 years’ experience in working with girls’ empowerment project. We have also initiated the process of identifying trainers, and plan to start the trainings by mid-February or start of March 2016. To strengthen the operations of the Safe Space for victims of sexual violence, NIGEE plans to engage a part time psychological counselor to support the project. The centre will also offer referral services to victims who require more support.
• We already have in place the recruitment criteria for the target beneficiaries in the project. The current NIGEE beneficiaries who have completed their secondary education will be automatically enrolled for the trainings. Victims of child marriage and sexual violence shall be given priority during shortlisting. The recruitment process will be open to other girls at subsidized fee to help maintain the Center. Currently we are developing the training manuals with key components to make it youth – friendly.

Links:

• NIGEE Official Website
• NIGEE Facebook Page