Sally shares how she is mentoring & equipping young mothers with entrepreneurship skills in Kenya
Skills Day at Wings of Hope Rescue Centre: Empowering Young Mothers for Economic Independence
Sally Ndwiga, a ONE Champion since 2022, is on a mission to transform lives. Through her Femiscope Initiative, she mentors young girls, especially adolescents from underserved communities in Kenya. On November 2, 2024, this passion came to life during a transformative Skills Day at Wings of Hope Rescue Centre in Kamulu.
The event, organized by the Femiscope Initiative and supported by the ONE Campaign in partnership with Giving Light to Society, The Salmon Centre, and other stakeholders, was a beacon of hope for young mothers. The day’s focus: equipping them with practical skills to achieve financial independence. Participants engaged in hands-on training sessions in crocheting, soap-making, baking, art and painting, puppetry, and face painting—skills designed to open pathways to economic opportunities.
[Sally Ndwiga (second from left) with Femiscope volunteers]
The event had three primary objectives:
- Provide therapeutic outlets to support mental well-being.
- Boost confidence and creativity through skill-based activities.
- Equip participants with marketable skills for income generation.
A total of 41 participants attended, including over 25 young mothers aged 13 to 24, many accompanied by their children. The sessions blended practical training with therapeutic benefits. Crocheting offered a calming outlet, while baking classes empowered participants with the tools to create sellable goods. Beauty and cosmetics workshops highlighted opportunities for entrepreneurship, while music and sports activities fostered stress relief and team building.
Sally Ndwiga’s leadership was instrumental in the day’s success. Coordinating over 15 volunteers from Femiscope and partner organizations, she ensured the seamless execution of activities while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Her dedication extended to mobilizing resources, guiding interactions with participants, and setting the foundation for meaningful skill-building.
The exercise also underscored the need for follow-up mentorship and sustained support. Participants expressed a strong interest in ongoing training to build confidence and mastery in their new skills.
Looking ahead, Sally plans to host monthly workshops through Femiscope to reinforce the skills introduced during Skills Day. She aims to provide resource kits, facilitate small-scale income projects, and partner with local businesses to create internship opportunities. Additionally, she envisions an online hub for networking, mentorship, and continuous learning.
Skills Day at Wings of Hope Rescue Centre highlighted the power of community collaboration in empowering vulnerable young women. With sustained support, these young mothers are on the path to brighter futures for themselves and their children.
