Girls Empowered to Improve Their Own Lives
Marginalized girls like Lilian who have graduated from the two-year Girls Empowerment Program in West Pokot have improved their psychological, social and economic welfare such that they are able to take charge of their own futures. Many of them were married off too early or otherwise exposed to trauma and oppression, but living in a caring community and receiving instruction allows them to overcome the trauma and their struggles with self-esteem.
Local partner Jitokeze Wamama Wafrika provides these young women with training in reading, writing, communications, conflict management and general life skills. Additionally, the girls receive instruction in various livelihoods activities such as tailoring, organic vegetable farming, or establishing tree nurseries. As they develop their entrepreneurial skills they start small businesses that allow them to earn incomes and gain their husbands’ respect.
They feel they now have the potential to serve as powerful agents of change in their communities, and encourage other girls to pursue their own dreams. Many go on to further their education at the university level. One young woman, Dorothy, has used her tailoring and organic farming knowledge to open a business while growing healthy food for her family. With her savings, Dorothy bought a plot of land. She and her husband built a small house on it, and they rent it out to a young man who runs a flour milling operation in their village.
Kenya West Pokot Program
Led by Evangelical Covenant Church/Covenant World Relief and Local Partner Jitokeze Wamama Wafrika
12/18