Mission

Our mission is to forge a positive pathway out of poverty for women in Nairobi who face barriers to work. 

We do this by teaching traditional hand-embroidery skills to local women, unlocking their potential to earn a sustainable income.

Vision

We equip women in Nairobi who face barriers to work with skills that will allow them to earn a sustainable income and gain financial independence.

Values

  • Female-focused: At the heart of our mission is the empowerment and support of women.

  • Skill-based approach: Employment brings financial independence. We equip women with the skills they need for a sustainable livelihood.

  • Community-minded: We work with local partners and individuals to strengthen community ties.

  • Reactive and responsive: We listen to the women we work with and iterate our programmes according to their needs and aspirations.

  • Quality craftsmanship: Our products are always high-quality and always handmade.

Esther Mwikali - Counsellor

E

Esther Mwikali is a trauma counsellor and a trainer on mental health,

She is currently offering psychosocial support to younger mothers from Soweto in Kayole. With monthly counselling sessions and catchable twice a week she is supporting this group of women in the most phenomenal way.

“As journeyed with them, I discovered that there is need for sustainable way of copying with everyday stress and self care, I introduced them to a catch ball, which they are currently enjoying, with the plan to do swimming lessons later in the year”

Project 1 -English Lessons with Lulu

Each week, Lulu teaches the women English. The topic of the lessons is very much guided by what the women are most interested in learning.

Focusing on practical, real-life situations they’ve experienced or may encounter—times when stronger grasp of the English language can be hugely beneficial.

The sessions cover a range of areas including grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary, always with the overarching goal of building confidence and fluency.

Project 2 -Women’s Health Education

Dr Lydia Wilson has begun a health education programme with our embroiderers in Kayole. Starting in April, this course will cover a range of health topics including but not limited to family planning, menstruation and Menstrual hygiene, nutrition, common paediatric conditions and basic first aid. Dr Wilson started with menstruation and menstrual hygiene and will continue to work with the women for the next few months to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge to maximise the physical and mental health of themselves and their families.

Project 3 -Business Lessons

Business Lessons with DHL - A 8 month course.

We call it Mtaani Digital: Biashara Bila Mipaka" – (Empowering Soweto women to sell beyond the neighbourhood)

Monthly Topics

1. Ecommerce Basics - April

2. Logistics - May

3. International Trade - June

4. International Contracts & Conventions - July

5. Customs - August

6. Customer Experience - September

7. Compliance & Cyber Security - October

8. Finance Basics - November

Project 4 -English Lessons with Emily

Emily Rothman comes to Kayole once a week to teach the women English, her lessons are creative and engaging. Emily's teaching journey began by training through Teach First at University College London, laying a strong foundation for her primary education career. Over the past four years, she has honed her skills in diverse classroom settings, first as a class teacher in Hounslow, London and now through meaningful volunteer work. She volunteered in two schools in Nairobi, where she contributed to the educational development of young learners.

“I am thrilled to be teaching English to women at the Skylight Centre in Soweto, a role that allows me to support adult literacy and working towards empowerment of women. Currently, we are looking at common phrases, grammar and developing oral skills.”

Emily Rothman

Project 5 - Children’s art classes

Emily comes to Kayole in school holidays to do art classes with the children to keep them busy and entertained whilst the women work, we will be featuring some of these pieces of work later down the line.

Emily creates a fun dynamic session for the children letting them explore their creativity with a huge emphasis on playing with colour.