On the bright morning of October 28, 2024, the Kianda Foundation was thrilled to host the graduation ceremony for the Fanikisha Program’s Kasarani Cohort 2 at St. Francis Church Kasarani Hall. It was a day filled with joy, pride, and celebration as 123 remarkable women were awarded certificates in business and cookery skills, marking the end of six transformative months of learning and growth. Family members, standing proudly by their sides, filled the hall, cheering and lending their heartfelt support, creating an atmosphere brimming with warmth and excitement.
The Fanikisha Program continues its mission to uplift women from under-resourced backgrounds, equipping them with essential skills and practical tools to thrive in today’s economy. Each week, the women gained insights into business development
management, and cookery skills, all designed to empower them as entrepreneurs and contributors to their communities. Fanikisha equips participants with tools such as financial management techniques, customer service skills, pricing strategies, and business planning skills, which are essential for launching and sustaining small businesses. In cookery, graduates learn about nutritional cooking, food hygiene, and menu planning, enabling them to run catering businesses or improve family nutrition effectively.
Statistics show the significant impact of these tools on women’s economic empowerment in Kenya. According to recent studies, small businesses run by women contribute to nearly 20% of the country’s informal sector, which supports over 80% of the Kenyan workforce. With 42% of Kenyan women involved in entrepreneurial activities, programs like Fanikisha are crucial, helping bridge skills gaps and giving women the means to create sustainable livelihoods. Equipped with these business and culinary skills, women are not only able to lift themselves out of poverty but also positively impact their communities, often reinvesting over 90% of their earnings into their families' health, education, and welfare.
The event was graced by our esteemed guests of honor, Mr. and Mrs. Mwangi. Mr. Mwangi, the CEO of Unclaimed Financial Assets in Kenya, shared inspiring insights on resilience and determination in the entrepreneurial journey, encouraging the graduates to persevere through challenges. Mrs. Mwangi, the head of learning at Kianda School, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that education is the key to transforming lives and uplifting entire communities.
The ceremony featured not only heartfelt speeches but also lively musical performances, fostering camaraderie and celebration among the graduates and their loved ones. Each woman’s face lit with pride as she received her certificate—a testament to the hard work and dedication of the past six months. In addition to the certificates, outstanding students received special gifts.
As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our deepest congratulations to the Kasarani Cohort 2 graduates of the Fanikisha Program. We eagerly look forward to witnessing the positive changes you will bring to your families and communities. Together, let us continue empowering women and transforming lives through education, skill development, and the power of self-reliance.
תגובות