Kenya-based telco Safaricom, has through its Foundation’s Ndoto Zetu (Phase 2) initiative, donated tailoring equipment to the Kodero Women’s group from Kayole.
The group received tailoring equipment to kick start their dream of opening a tailoring school for its members.
Ndoto Zetu, which is part of Safaricom Foundation’s philanthropic partnerships across the country, aims to support individual Kenyans who are keen to make an impact in their communities through social investments.
“We are excited to be doing this at a time when we have just marked International Women’s Day. There’s no better way to celebrate the 50 strong women of Kodera than to economically empower them with tools including sewing machines and other materials that will help them achieve their dreams,” said Sylvia Mulinge, trustee, Safaricom Foundation.
According to Mulinge, the tailoring equipment will fulfill the group’s dream of starting a tailoring school that will solve issues of unemployment and lack of opportunities for underprivileged women.
Kodera Women’s group was founded in 2011 and largely consists of women from the Soweto slum who are either widows or single mothers. Apart from empowerment, the group also supports women who have various health issues.
Joyce Bilha, chairperson, Kodera Women’s Group, said: “The equipment provided by Safaricom Foundation is a blessing to us and we hope to recruit even more women to the group. A tailoring school will help us learn new skills and open new businesses to ensure no one sleeps hungry or lacks basic needs.”
Through its economic empowerment pillar, Safaricom Foundation has so far empowered close to one million people by providing them with business skills and funding that have led to sustainable income generating projects.