Our Nairobi sponsor site works with many families living with the daily deprivations of informal neighbourhoods, or slums. Through the gift catalogue, families are finding novel and inventive ways to achieve greater things for their families. Seven women from two of the Kenyan capital’s most marginalized communities have made significant strides towards economic independence, thanks to the support of small businesses through the gift catalogue.
Phyllis lives with her husband and five children in one of the city’s largest, densest, and most notoriously impoverished neighbourhoods. Three of her children—Princess, Aurelia, and Blessing—are sponsored through the Nairobi site.
“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the family enjoyed a stable life,” says Eunice. Edwin, Phyllis’s husband, ran a successful business supplying seafood to restaurants and hotels, while Phyllis sold bed sheets in her neighbourhood. But the pandemic shutdowns decimated both the seafood and hospitality industry, forcing Edwin to close his business. Phyllis could not leave her home to sell, halting her business, too.
“Their financial situation worsened, and the family found it increasingly difficult to pay rent and meet basic needs,” Eunice says. Making matters worse, they had a housefire, which destroyed their belongings and seriously burned one of their daughters’ arms. Her medical bills further strained their savings.
Phyllis and Edwin made the difficult decision to move their family to a rural area outside of the city, in hopes of finding a more affordable lifestyle. Although rent was cheaper, Edwin still could not find work. Phyllis decided to return to Nairobi to do laundry in low-income neighborhoods.
It was in that difficult moment that Phyllis learned she had received a livelihood gift through the gift catalogue – a milk vending machine, also known as a milk ATM. She named it the New Christerbel Shop, and supplemented her milk sales by selling items like bread, eggs, cakes, as well as her former wares of bed sheets, curtains, trousers, and denim.
It was a rocky start, but Phyllis refused to give up. She put her analytical mind to good use, changing tack with her marketing. Her pivot worked.
“Phyllis’s persistence paid off,” Eunice says. “Her business began to thrive, and her ability to attract customers improved. Today, Phyllis can pay her rent on time—a luxury that had once seemed impossible. Her financial situation has improved significantly, and she has been able to save money to reinvest in her business and support her children’s education.”
“Phyllis’s journey, marked by struggle, perseverance, and resilience, is an inspiring reminder that no matter the adversity, hard work and determination can lead to success.”
This spring, do new! Celebrate a friend or loved one with a gift that gives hope. Our gift catalogue is live now!