)
Nairobi, Kenya
Fleur* was first introduced to Mirror of Hope through her volunteer work as a Community Health Promoter in the slums of Kibera. Fleur served her community tirelessly in this role, but often without compensation. She was drawn to the Women’s Empowerment Savings and Internal Lending Communities project in Kibera as a means of income and by its promise of community empowerment.
Fleur had minimal business experience but knew that starting a business was a way to achieve a sustainable income. She joined a women’s group called ‘Lucky’, and through the support of her peers and access to business skills training, Fleur ultimately secured a small loan from the group. With these funds, she started an undergarments business. This simple gesture triggered a remarkable transformation in Fleur’s life. She obtained business skills to empower her to manage her enterprise effectively, resulting in a sustainable income for her family’s daily expenses, and she even began putting away savings each week.
Following the success of her business, Fleur’s confidence soared. She went on to qualify as a trainer with Mirror of Hope, a testament to her growth and the project’s impact. In this role, she has been able to share her valuable knowledge and support other women from her community, furthering the project’s mission of empowerment and economic development.
*Not their real name
Women’s Empowerment and SILC (Savings and Internal Lendings Community) Project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
In Kibera, families like Fleur have little access to business training or banking and credit This keeps many trapped in poverty. Savings and Internal Lendings Community (SILC) Project led by Mirror of Hope CBO is changing this through community-driven skills training and microfinance that helps people, especially women, to build income and financial independence.
