By Florence Olwenge | Project Lead
Dear Our Supporters,
We are delighted to update you on our recent project activities and achievements at the Seed of Hope Centers. The past six months have flown by, and we have accomplished a great deal. We are proud to report that 617 students have completed their courses and are now prepared to begin their three-month internships. Following this period, they will have the opportunity to either start their own businesses or secure employment. The conclusion of their courses was particularly busy, as the students were diligently working on their end-of-course projects and examinations.
Our programs in mental health, sexual and reproductive rights, financial literacy, computer skills, and crafts—including soap making, shampoo, conditioner, and detergent production—have significantly contributed to their training. Coupled with the main vocational training, these programs ensure that our students leave the institution well-equipped with the knowledge and confidence needed to become self-reliant and are enabled to start small businesses that require as little as $15 as seed capital.
Our mentorship program has provided continuous support for our students, with peer mentors from former graduate cohorts now running their businesses or in employment committed to guiding the current students during their training time as well as after graduation. They also provide a good network for the students to get internship placements at their businesses or at their employment places after finishing their training.
We are also excited to share that we have started an incubation hub in Nairobi, which has been operational for the last one month. This has been providing students and graduates from the Fashion and Design course with all the equipment they need to incubate their businesses in readiness to go and launch them in the outside world. This is a big catalyst for them getting into employment and it also doubles up as an income generating activity for the centre raising much needed funds to co-fund the activities of Seed of Hope.
Our young mothers have also benefited greatly with over 100 of them finishing their training successfully as a result of receiving the childcare vouchers. They are looking forward to setting up their businesses and going into employment after their three-month internships are over and we are excited at the prospect this holds for them and their little children.
Enrollment for the new cohort is progressing well. Based on a recent community needs assessment survey, we are pleased to introduce a new course in Nairobi for hairdressing and beauty therapy, which was in high demand. Additionally, our students in Kitui were taken on an educational tour, which brought them a lot of excitement and new learning experiences.
Lastly, our income-generating activity, the greenhouse at Muranga Seed of Hope, is thriving. The farm products help supplement our feeding program as well as generate income for the sustainability of the centre.
Thank you for your continued support. We will keep you updated with more exciting news.
With best wishes,
Florence and the Seed of Hope Team
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