Busia:Young people in Busia County are gaining valuable skills through a fashion design and tailoring training program. This initiative aims to address challenges such as gender-based violence, school dropouts, and unwanted pregnancies by equipping them with skills for economic independence.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project is funded by Freedom Fund and SHOFCO and is implemented by Dhamira Moja. Participants receive sewing machines and financial support to help establish their businesses and earn a livelihood.
Sarah Martha, Director of Dhamira Moja, highlighted that the initiative offers vulnerable youth a second chance by providing practical skills and linking them to economic opportunities. The program targets young individuals affected by gender-based violence and school dropouts, with some forced into domestic work and other manual labor.
The program began in June in partnership with technical and vocational training centers in Busia County, where beneficiaries undertake their examinations. The first cohort included 15 young people, predominantly girls, and the second group is currently in training.
Martha emphasized the need for increased partnerships with government levels to expand such initiatives, stating that economic empowerment could improve the societal position of girls.
Beneficiaries like Zipporah Shikuku, a single mother, and Jacklin Akinyi, who has a partial hearing disability, have expressed how the program has helped them achieve financial independence. Collins Obonya praised the initiative for prioritizing girls and helping them overcome discrimination, thus enabling economic independence.
