By Mercy Kamau | Programs Manager
In the heart of Mathare Sly (not her real name), a 20-year-old single mother, found herself facing an uphill battle after an unexpected pregnancy at a very tender age, immediately after she completed high school. This was subsequently followed by her childs father involvement in an accident that left him paralyzed and bed ridden unable to fend for sly and her unborn child. She was the second born in a family of four, her father was the only bread winner and he worked casual jobsto fend for the whole family since her mother was unable to help with the bills due to illnesses. " I couldn't imagine bringing another child to my father's house knowing what he had to go through to make ends meet"
After the delivery of her child, a neighbor introduced her to Kariobangi sisters.However, her life took a turn for the better when she was introduced to MCFPANAIROBI, by The Kariobangi Sisters. "At The Kariobangi Sisters, I met Anne who introduced me to MCF PANAIROBI, helping me make a big milestone." Sly was enrolled on the garmet making class.Through their garment-making program, Sly not only received practical skills but also essential resources like food, diapers, and sanitary towels. She could also access food and medical care for both her and her child. "Life was better at MCFPANAIROBI, mostly because I was guaranteed food for me and my child. I would also get diapers and sanitary towels which were challenging to acquire due to financial constraints."
MCFPANAIROBI's impact goes beyond vocational training. Sly credits the program for boosting her confidence and communication skills, which have proven invaluable in building and maintaining client relationships in her garment-making business. "Upon joining MCFPANAIROBI I was a very introverted girl. I rarely mingled with people, but here I gained alot of confidence and good communication skills which are working for me till date and has helped me to initiate and maintain healthy relationships with my clients." She said.
Upon graduating, Sly was given a start-up kit by MCFP that included a sewing machine, threads and fabric, that helped her kick start her journey towards self-sufficiency. Today, she successfully runs her home-based garment making business while also being employed at a garment shop in Kariobangi, significantly increasing her income." I'm very grateful to MCFPanairobi for the sewing machine because it gave me a starting point. I couldn't afford to buy a machine and this was such a big step MCFPANAIROBI had helped me make"
Sly's financial empowerment extends beyond her immediate needs. With the financial management skills acquired at MCFPANAIROBI, she is able to save, invest in her child's future, and even contribute to household bills, alleviating the burden on her father.
Sly's story serves as a beacon of hope for young mothers facing similar challenges. She encourages young girls to avoid negative influences and teenage mothers to embrace their potential and seek help."MCFPANAIROBI changed my life for the better," Sly emphasizes, expressing her deep gratitude for the organization's unwavering support. Her journey from despair to self-reliance is a testament to the transformative power of empowering young mothers
Sly's future aspirations are ambitious. She dreams of establishing a dressmaking company that not only provides her with a stable income but also empowers other young mothers by offering them training and employment opportunities. MCFPANAIROBI's dedication to empowering young mothers like Sly is evident in the positive impact it has on their lives and their communities.
Sly is living a better life and is able to fend for her and her child. She helps with the bills at home too. She advanced her garment making skills and does even wedding gowns and other complex designs which are an added advantage since they mean more income for a better life ahead. She dreams of having a dressmaking company where she can also give back to the community by training other teenage mom's and employ them. "MCFP ANAIROBI changed my life for the better."
By Mercy Muthoni Kamau | Programs Manager
By Mercy Kamau | Programs Manager
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