A STITCH IN TIME AS NALSA-KENYA AND PROUDLY KENYAN PARTNERSHIP INSPIRES THE GIFT OF EDUCATION IN EMBAKASI CENTRAL
In the heart of Kayole, amidst the vibrant spirit of ‘Kayole One Primary School’, something extraordinary unfolded—an event beyond a graduation ceremony, to celebrate the community empowerment of two different generations.
National Assembly Lady Spouses Association of Kenya (NALSA-K), in collaboration with the Embakasi Central Empowerment Centre, orchestrated a powerful initiative that not only graduated 16 students but also touched the lives of 400 pupils by donating school uniforms.
The school pupils who benefited from the donation were drawn from seven schools, Komarock Primary, Komarock South primary, Mwangaza Primary, Thawabu Primary, Imara Primary, Bondeni Primary, Kayole North Primary and the event host, Kayole One Primary School.
At the forefront of this is a beacon of hope by Mrs Caro Mwago, affectionately known as Mrs. Major Donk within the community. Mrs. Mwago y ignited a chain of positive change in the lives of students and their families by spearheading the success of the project.
The project, identified and implemented by Embakasi West Empowerment Centre, was born out of a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the community. It was pegged on four critical issues among them: buying school uniforms is an expensive venture for parents; Most students sampled in the constituency attended school in worn-out attires; Empowering the school children helps them to feel confident in school; It is important to restore community hope in leadership.
Beyond the immediate impact on students, the initiative sought to restore hope in community leadership, proving that positive change is achievable through collaborative efforts.
The success of this project is not just in its vision but also in the tangible support it received. The project received three sewing machines, one overlock machine, and two fabric cutters.
The event attracted NALSA-K representatives from various areas including; the Nairobi Chapter Chair, Emma Orero, Amina Chao (Langata), Kui Kiarie (Dagoretti South) and Faith Musyoka (Mwala).
As Proudly Kenyan’s Programme Manager, Stella Wangare, took the stage as the guest of honour to share insights into the broader impact of the initiative. She highlighted that the project is just one facet of a more extensive Phase Two Proudly Kenyan sponsored projects which are implemented in conjunction with NALSA-K and encompasses 21 projects across the country.
Hon Benjamin Gathiru, the Member of Parliament and spouse to the area NALSA-K representative expressed gratitude for the opportunity to change the lives of 16 families and 400 children. He spoke passionately about the power of empowering women, emphasising that empowering a woman is synonymous with empowering an entire community.
The 16 trainees, initially without work experience, or a clear direction in life, now find themselves equipped with skills thanks to the sponsorship. Plans are underway to register the trainees to a table banking group. With the tailoring equipment donations, they will be able to pool resources and kickstart a uniform-sewing business—an enterprise that will not only sustain them but also contribute to the uplifting of their community.
Mrs. Mwago, the area representative and host of the event, encapsulated the essence of the day.
“The children’s performance was likely affected and to boost their esteem we have replaced their old torn uniform’” said Mrs Mwango.
She added that the current opportunity extends beyond the graduation ceremony; it aims to empower women through tailor training, utilizing the provided machines to produce uniforms for the broader student population of Embakasi Central.
The Embakasi event echoes the age-old wisdom that education is a great equalizer in society. Focused efforts on education have propelled fresh graduates into the job market, and a good number of pupils have become beneficiaries of an investment in their educational journey.