Empowering Women and Girls Through Practical Skills

Vocational Skills Training

Our vocational training programme was established after a baseline study revealed that many young women in the community were engaging in drug use and prostitution due to a lack of employable skills. Since then, the programme has grown to provide practical, marketable skills that enable beneficiaries to earn a living and build independent futures.

Tailoring & Dress Making

Tailoring and dress making is Wa-kesho’s core training programme. Beneficiaries receive practical instruction before sitting for the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) Grade 3 Trade Test examination at the end of each year.

The programme has grown from seven beneficiaries and seven sewing machines to a capacity of 50 beneficiaries annually, with over 1,140 girls successfully completing training. Approximately 75% of graduates now earn a livelihood through dress making.

Virgin Coconut Oil Production

Beneficiaries are trained in producing virgin coconut oil through the fermentation process as part of Wa-kesho’s income-generating activities. The programme provides practical production skills while introducing participants to small-scale enterprise opportunities.

Information Technology & Computer Skills

Wa-kesho provides basic IT and computer training, including internet access that enables beneficiaries to explore current fashion trends and strengthen their learning in tailoring and dress making.

Detergent Making

Beneficiaries learn how to produce liquid detergents as part of the organisation’s practical skills programme.

Income generated from detergent production is shared equally among the girls involved, providing pocket money and reducing over-reliance on their guardians.

Cake Baking

Cake baking forms part of Wa-kesho’s income-generating activities and practical skills training.

Like detergent production, proceeds are shared equally among participating beneficiaries, helping them earn pocket money while gaining valuable entrepreneurial experience.

Business Management Skills

In addition to vocational training, beneficiaries receive basic business management skills that prepare them to manage income-generating activities and make better use of their practical skills.

Income-Generating Activities

To strengthen the sustainability of its vocational programme, Wa-kesho established several income-generating activities that both support the organisation and provide hands-on learning opportunities for beneficiaries. Some of these activities have since become part of the trade training programme, enabling participants to gain practical business experience while developing employable skills.

Community Empowerment

Wa-kesho encourages members to support one another, particularly women from unstable backgrounds. Through initiatives such as Merry-Go-Rounds and Table Banking, members build financial resilience while creating opportunities to establish and grow income-generating activities within their communities.

Partnerships

Wa-kesho believes meaningful impact is achieved through collaboration. The organisation works closely with stakeholders who provide material support, financial assistance, and capacity building to strengthen programmes and expand opportunities for beneficiaries. These partnerships have played an important role in the growth of Wa-kesho since its inception.

Join Us in Empowering Women and Girls

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              +254 720 302 390

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