Tailoring & Textile Design
Faraja Women's Group Vocational
Training Program
This exciting program is one-of-a-kind in the village of Kunya. It provides the opportunity for women, specifically widows and single mothers, to receive training in sewing and tailoring and to become a member of Faraja Women Group, the all-women’s group that produces items (dolls, blankets, potholders, handbags, rugs) for sale. The sale of the items provides important income for the group and for the women individually.
Started in 2005 with 15 women, Mama Na Dada 
commissioned sewing and textile
exports from Nairobi and Tanzania to train the women of Kunya in the
making of dolls, blankets, potholders, handbags and rugs with the goal
of creating a group that would eventually manage itself as a small
business.
The group was immediately successful and the women embraced the opportunity with vigor! The program has expanded quickly and is now receiving contracts for the production of school uniforms in the area. Still in its early stage, the group is soon to undergo training in business management and accounting to prepare them for additional opportunities suggests renting a craft stall in the city of Kisumu where they can sell their goods. Negotiations are also underway with several shops in both Nairobi and Mombasa to sell the goods.
In a short time, these women, who previously had little or no income
to support themselves and their children will be drastically improving
their lives and those of their children. Their children will be a few
of the lucky ones who will be able to receive secondary school education
and the women will be able to ensure their long-term financial security.
The program has expanded to include young men who have become responsible for the care of their siblings due to the death of their parents or other difficult circumstance.
Sponsoring a woman who wishes to join the Faraja Women Group costs $200 and includes the following: sewing machine, sewing supplies, training, and transportation. To give a woman the opportunity to change her life, consider making a much needed donation by visiting Global Partners for Development. In the donation area, you can specify how you would like your donation to be used.