In our sponsor sites around the world you will see mothers everywhere. Participating in the workshops, working small businesses while caring for younger children, and more. They are the backbones of their communities and most of them take advantage of the resources that come through the sponsorship of their children to change the lives of their families.
At our Nairobi site in Kenya a journey with a group of budding entrepreneurs has been a process of learning, growth, and transformation. Funding from the gift catalogue supported training, mentorship, and follow-up support for a group of mothers of sponsored children who were interested in starting small businesses. Entrepreneurs were equipped with the skills to strengthen their business and build resilience for themselves to improve the livelihoods of their families.
While some businesses failed, there were four successful mothers who took risks, listened carefully to their mentors and implemented changes when needed to build thriving businesses. An inspiration to their peers, they have improved both their household income and financial planning and have also renewed hope for the future.
Participants were encouraged to view their businesses not only as a source of income, but as tools for long-term stability and family well-being.
Noticing that there was a lack of fresh milk available in her community, Christerbel started a milk bar so parents could get milk closer to home. Over time she used her profits to expand her business to include shop items that complement milk sales like eggs, bread and flour, attracting more customers and boosting revenue.
Similarly, Ralizam who started a small general store in her home recognized ecommerce as a viable business option and now markets her products online and delivers them countrywide, reaching new customers and increasing sales.
Following the training, entrepreneurs were supported through follow-up visits and continuous engagement from the site. This process revealed varying levels of commitment from participants. It became obvious that the participants who embraced learning and consistently applied their new skills, showed steady improvement in business operations, confidence, and income.
The participants are so thankful for the support from Chalice donors and the skilled site staff who taught them key lessons in business. Even without a successful venture, they learned valuable skills they can use moving forward and some have expressed interest in trying other businesses.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the special moms in our lives who sacrifice, work hard, love and nurture us all year long. You are loved and appreciated always. Wishing you special blessings this weekend and all year long. For everything you do, seen and unseen, thank you.