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Eliza’s* story begins in the lush highlands of Central Kenya, in Kiambu County—a place of stunning natural beauty and deep-rooted community spirit. Tragedy struck with the passing of her mother when Eliza was just ten years old. She and her two siblings moved to live with their maternal grandmother.
Despite the hardships, her grandmother and uncle ensured Eliza’s education, recognising her potential and determination. Soon after graduation, she enrolled in a vocational training school near her village, where she discovered her passion for tailoring and dressmaking. She excelled in her studies, mastering the skills of her trade with nimble fingers and a creative mind. But Eliza’s ambitions didn’t stop there.
Driven by a desire to give back to her community, she pursued a diploma in social work, which equipped her with the tools to identify and address the needs of those around her.
Eliza’s career trajectory took a significant turn when she became an assessor and examiner for the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). She also spent ten years as a trainer with the Mercy Sisters in Mukuru, where she hone her ability to empower others through education and skill development.
Today, Eliza is the Program Coordinator for Ruben Centre’s Human Development and Skills Training Program. Located in the heart of Mukuru, a place where opportunities are scarce, vocational training programs aim to transform lives by providing marginalised women and youth with livelihood opportunities. The project’s goal is to equip young people with essential skills in tailoring, thus opening doors to job opportunities and economic independence.
Eliza’s own journey is a powerful example of how access to education can transform lives and communities. Her story, stitched together with resilience, dedication, and a deep love for her community, serves as an inspiration to all who meet her.
*not her real name
Through her efforts at Ruben Centre, Eliza
continues to weave a tapestry of hope, opportunity,
and empowerment, one stitch at a time.
