Ongicha is a small village in Western Kenya, where AIDS has taken a devastating toll. The AIDS widows of Ongicha formed an economic cooperative to pool their meager resources and find ways to support themselves and one another in the absence of husbands. Florence Otieno, the project leader, determined that by teaching tailoring skills the women could work in their own community while continuing to care for their children, as opposed to moving to a distant town.

At first the women trained one another with a single sewing machine. With the help of Global Partners, the women were able to purchase ten machines and essential materials. In addition to the training, the women have built up small businesses.

“With the income from my sewing machine, there is now enough money to cover school fees and buy medicine when it is needed. I don’t have to choose between them, I can do both.”

A quiet revolution is taking place in Africa. It is happening in rural villages as women step up to the challenge of supporting themselves and their families. Women's cooperatives lead the way, organizing women in programs such as zero-grazing cattle, tailoring, and tree farming. The women have made great strides in a short time; your gift will help continue their extraordinary progress.

Your $400 donation will provide everything needed to start a small tailoring business. Women can work from home and do not have to leave their small children. Besides making and repairing clothing in general, many women's group produce income by making uniforms for local schools. The extra money is used to pay for children's education, improved nutrition and medical care. For $400 you provide the key to a better life for a woman and her family.

Tailor Made Start-Up

Your gift of a tailoring start-up kit provides a woman with the necessary supplies and equipment to start a tailoring business. Women earn income by making clothing and from contracts for uniforms for the local schools.