Family Economic Empowerment in the Kenyan Slums

In their own words and through their inspiring stories, parents who were once affected by vulnerability remind us of their strength and determination to overcome the most daunting challenges. Through the Macheo Family Empowerment Program, we reached out to women and men who were often left behind – those who struggled with being poor and who were not able to provide/denied basic education and health care for their children, and who suffer greatly from conflict. The parents we serve tell us that through our programs, they have found new opportunities to strengthen themselves, their families, and their communities.

From the field…..

Helping a parent to earn, feed their children and save money: a success story

Ruth is 35 years old with two children. Identifying that she had talent for tailoring ever since childhood, she was targeted and enrolled in the Macheo Family Empowerment Program. She was jobless but had a sewing machine, which was broken and also she lacked materials to use. Her children were malnourished due to inadequate meals at home. After assessment Macheo bought material at the local market for her, she learned how to use a manual sewing machine and transformed the fabric by hand into beautiful clothes. Ruth is now able to pay for her children’s welfare, registering for the National Hospital Insurance Fund, to mitigate a sudden expensive health issue, along with paying for school fees, uniforms and school supplies. This is all due to the help from Macheo and their sponsors. She subsequently has saved her monthly training stipend and convinced her friend to co-sign a loan, so that she could purchase more clothes for sewing. Her tailoring business thrived, and Ruth repaid the loan in a few months. Implicitly she is now learning basic business skills, planning, budgeting and saving, through help from the Macheo classes.

A success like this does not happen in a vacuum! It takes the much needed effort of a group of dedicated people at The Macheo Children’s Center in Thika, Kenya, along with people like you, who see the need and support the cause.

Let’s lift a family onto the first rung of the ladder, one at a time, together. Thank You!