Two women with a disability empowered by church livelihoods project

Susan has returned to school to enrich her skills. © Diocese of Eldoret Community-based Rehabilitation Centre.

In Kenya, the Diocese of Eldoret’s Disability Inclusion Project supports adults with a disability, or parents caring for a child with a disability, with small business loans and training so they can improve their livelihoods and flourish as God intends. It also seeks to bring awareness within the church and community of the human rights of people with a disability.

Margaret is a vegetable vendor. She has also survived polio, and looks after her aging mother. The project has helped her with stocktaking, so she can now manage her business by ensuring that she has all the products she needs. The project has also helped Margaret develop the confidence to participate in things like family gatherings and events. Through the training, and through developing her business, she says she feels a greater sense of human dignity.  “I’m now eating a balanced diet, I like to dress well, and I have enough funds to pay my insurance cover. Right now I’m constructing my house”, says Margaret.

At 30, Susan is both a shopkeeper and hairdresser. Through the project she has learned a lot about how to manage her businesses under one roof. She found the stocktaking training particularly useful. Her business has now expanded, and she has returned to school to enrich her skills. Her sister helps her with the shop when she needs to be in class. 

Susan says, “The project has helped me to believe in myself. I now dress well and do smart make-up and hairstyles. This attracts more customers to my hairdressing salon. I have my own income, and am very happy that I can make my own decisions.” The project has ensured Susan is able to meet her personal needs and pay part of her school fees.

“My dream is to purchase my own land where I can build my own a shop and hairdressing salon”, says Susan.

Margaret with vegetables she sells from her shop. © Diocese of Eldoret Community-based Rehabilitation Centre.