Emergency COVID-19 support for Kenyan children

Dear friend,

Thank you for your unwavering support of Raising Futures Kenya and the young people in Kenya whose lives you've positively impacted. In the face of escalating youth unemployment, compounded by severe drought and the spiralling cost of living, your generosity has provided hope, and enabled us to provide vocational training, and support, with a particular focus on safeguarding girls in low-income communities.

Celebrating successes

We’re excited to share with you the fantastic progress and achievements we've made with your invaluable support. In 2023, we successfully trained and graduated 845 students, 69% young women or girls, including 113 young mothers, who not only completed their courses but are now happily placed in internships or have secured jobs. 

Last month, we celebrated graduation ceremonies at Seed of Hope Kariti and Seed of Hope Kitui training centres. Now, we are eagerly anticipating the graduation ceremony of the students who completed their vocational training at Seed of Hope Nairobi, coinciding with the launch of our new Seed of Hope Nairobi building on 23rd February.

In her December graduation speech, Kitui Fashion and Fabric Design Graduate Lydia said : “I deeply appreciate the free Seed of Hope training I have received. As a young mother, I feel reborn and no longer perceive myself as a societal reject. I am now a young, skilled woman eagerly anticipating financial stability in the future. Soon, I will establish my own business, enabling me to care for my child and parents". In January, she has already launched her business, creating uniforms for clients from the Kitui Business Hub, where she can use the space and equipment until she can afford her own.

The success stories of these young individuals are a direct result of the opportunities provided to them - the free training, learning materials, daily lunch, packs of period products, childcare vouchers and essential counselling and mental health support - and we are immensely grateful for your role in making this happen.

Graduate support and mentorship sessions, facilitated by our successful graduates or alumni, have proven to be an effective tool in guiding our students towards their goals, and the fresh graduates launching their businesses from the business incubation hub.

January enrolment and the Amuka Programme

In addition to the ongoing support for vulnerable students, we are happy to share that this year has started on a positive note. As of January, all our courses are operating at full capacity, meeting the target of 35 or more students per course. Across all three of our centres, we currently have 377 students enrolled.

As part of their induction, all students have engaged in our intensive one week Amuka programme; a personal development program aimed at instilling self-awareness, confidence, and emotional intelligence in our students, crucial for success in both employment and self-employment. The Amuka program continues throughout their course with daily sessions to ensure continuous growth. Our experience has shown that personal development is a fundamental building block for any training program, and we are excited to witness the positive impact it will have on our students' lives.

Thank you for your support

Once again, we extend our deepest gratitude for your support. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of these young individuals, empowering them to build brighter futures. 

With sincere appreciation from,

Leela and Florence, and the Raising Futures team

Links:

• Meet Seed of Hope graduate Joyce and hear her story