Together we can build resilience and save lives

Thank you for donating to this project supporting communities in Kenya to build resilience against threats to health and livelihoods. We are excited to bring you the first update and we will continue to send regular updates in the months to come.

This update is from Damaris Chepkemboi Ngelelei, Administration Manager with Brighter Communities Worldwide. Damaris recently met with Pauline Chepngetich, Economic Empowerment Facilitator, who shared her story.

Pauline "I was first trained as an Economic Empowerment Facilitator with Brighter Communities Worldwide, after which I trained a women’s group on business skills. Together, we started an income-generating activity focused on tree seedlings and got support from Brighter Communities Worldwide. The training takes three days and covers a range of topics like, business principles and financial management, marketing and customer relations, business planning and sustainability, climate change and sustainable business practices, Identifying and developing business ideas.

Through the training and subsequent follow ups with the group, we started a merry-go-round savings scheme where members contribute small amounts and access loans at a small interest. Over time, the group has grown stronger and now has savings of over KES 100,000. Women can take loans to support their families, including paying school fees for their children.

Economic Empowerment programme has helped us build resilience as a group. Today, we can stand on our own as empowered women, with the skills and systems to sustain ourselves.

I am very grateful to Brighter Communities Worldwide for the support they have given us. We welcome you to visit us and see how far we have come since the training."

Damaris – “To all our supporters, this story demonstrates how investing in local skills, creates a ripple effect of impact within communities. By linking business training with practical income-generating activities and savings systems, the initiative has strengthened financial resilience, enhanced women’s economic empowerment, and ensured sustainability through ongoing peer support and mentorship. We are very grateful for your continued support.”