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Nairobi, Kenya
In 2021, Mirror of Hope (MOH) CBO, in partnership with Edmund Rice Foundation, launched a Savings and Internal Lendings (SILC) Project in Kibera, one of Africa’s largest informal settlements.
The project helps people build financial security through training and, by saving money together, accessing small loans, and supporting one another through difficult times. For many families living with poverty, limited access to banking services, and unstable incomes, SILC has become a practical pathway to greater independence and opportunity.
SILC promotes:
Through structured mentorship and community leadership, SILC equips members with the financial and organisational tools needed to build long-term economic stability.
SILC loans and savings have helped participants start, grow and sustain small businesses, strengthening household incomes and financial resilience.
The project aims to increase the average monthly household income of participants from KES 13,457 to KES 23,254 (AUD $250) by December 2027.
SILC has also helped participants build confidence and resilience. More than half of participants rated their mental wellbeing as good or excellent, while 96.5% reported a better understanding of the connection between mental health and financial decision-making. Many said they experienced less financial stress and felt more confident managing challenges at home.
Women have also reported positive changes in their households and communities. Women are taking a greater role in family financial decisions, communication between spouses has improved, and attitudes towards women’s economic participation are becoming more positive. More than 80% of participants reported that men better understood gender equality and women’s contribution to family wellbeing.
While challenges remain, participants said the project has not only strengthened their financial wellbeing, but also increased their sense of dignity, connection, and hope for the future.
Your partnership is helping transform the community of Kibera — through practical skills, sustainable livelihoods, and improved economic empowerment.
By supporting this project, you’re helping women gain opportunities for dignified work and contributing to a healthier, resilient community for generations.
