Meet Christine: Kyle shares the story of our vocational sewing program’s star student.

kylemu:

Christine was referred to the ASH vocational training program (sewing/tailoring course, and basic income management paired with entrepreneurial training) by the area Chief, who knew just where to send her when she heard of Christine’s tough situation.

Both of Christine’s parents fell ill a few years ago and sadly passed away, leaving Christine to fend for herself with almost no money, on top of caring for her 8-year-old sister. To make circumstances more difficult, Christine became pregnant after basically being used for sex by a man who took off before he even knew a child was on the way.

A star student from the beginning, Christine picked up each lesson with ease and quickly rose as one of the most skilled students in the class. Not to mention, she was supervising and preparing porridge for the Early Child Development (ECD) class, brewing tea for community center staff, helping with daily health center cleaning and prep, and picking up tasks randomly asked of her… all to cover her school fees. She couldn’t monetarily pay for the small amount of required course fees, so she “paid” through lending a hand around the community center. To top it all off, Christine is the sweetest and most hardworking person I’ve yet to meet in Kenya. She’s just one of those people you look at, and can’t help to be crazy inspired.

Well, Christine’s hard work paid off. The day after graduating from our program, she landed a job at a sewing/tailoring shop owned by a local boarding school. Benefits include: commission-based salary (which is much better for Christine b/c she’s quick and efficient), stable work orders, free housing, and a location near town.

As we helped move Christine and the small amount of possessions she had at her previous, tiny home, I couldn’t help but to tear up thinking about how proud I was of her and that what we’re trying to do through ASH is actually working and making a difference. I hadn’t had my “super motivational” moment yet… until Christine. But it’s much more than just motivation for me, it’s strong proof that the ASH model works. Provide the foundation for someone living in poverty to lift themselves to a higher standard, and they will! We don’t have to rely on the old way of charity anymore – giving free handouts, pouring in money from Western countries, etc. Create sustainable opportunities for empowerment, and watch holistic improvement in health and living thrive.