We are thrilled to share an update on the progress of the Girls Reclaim Their Lives project, which is dedicated to empowering 25 vulnerable girls and young women in Meru, Kenya. Thanks to the generous funding from Overal Stichting and the De Hoorn Foundation, totaling €10,326, we are making significant strides in transforming lives through comprehensive vocational training in catering, events management, and hairdressing, along with leadership and mentorship programs. As of now, we have successfully trained 23 young women and 2 men, all of whom are currently participating in hands-on projects that will continue through November 2024.
Our training sessions have yielded notable achievements: 10 participants developed skills in catering and events management, while 15 focused on hairdressing and beauty therapy. The impact of our work extends beyond the classroom, positively influencing approximately 650 community members. For instance, catering students served over 150 people at events organized at the Tiriji Eco Center, and our hairdressing students provided services to around 100 beneficiaries from Kach Kids, earning income and enhancing their learning experiences.
The project has fostered significant social engagement, with marked improvements in self-confidence and social skills among the participants. An increase in community interest for future training programs has emerged, particularly among young men, showcasing the program’s broad appeal. To support our outstanding students, top performers received startup kits during the graduation ceremony, and the runners-up gained valuable experience at IPI Hairdressing and Beauty Shop.
Looking to the future, we are committed to enhancing participants’ skills over time. We will encourage them to pursue further education at the Meru National Polytechnic and take Kenya National Examination Council exams to boost their job competitiveness, alongside ongoing practical experience in their respective fields.
To ensure the project’s longevity, we plan to introduce tuition fees for new cohorts, enabling us to reinvest in the program and continue providing high-quality training. Additionally, we will seek diverse funding sources to expand our reach and services, fostering community ownership of the initiative.
In conclusion, the project has made remarkable strides, exceeding initial impact estimates and demonstrating that our students are not only gaining valuable skills but also making meaningful contributions to their communities. By laying a foundation for sustained economic independence, we hope to contribute to broader societal changes in gender equity.
We invite you to view the full report for more detailed insights into our achievements and plans moving forward. Thank you for your continued support!
