Kijiji Cha Upendo Children’s Project
Kijiji Cha Upendo Children’s Project helps women who are caregivers of orphaned and vulnerable children who have been either infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Instead of having the children live in large orphanages, Kijiji noticed that a lot of women on the Kibera slum took up the challenge to house all these orphaned children.
Quick Facts
Kibera Slum HIV/AIDS Orphans: Economic Empowerment of Caregivers
Twenty-eight female caregivers were provided with small business start–up capital, mentorship and emotional support. The goal was to help these women create a sustainable income. Support workers conducted 70 onsite visits to businesses as well as 149 home visits to help with related psychological issues.
The key challenge was the political unrest that affected most businesses. Sales were low during this aftermath, and some businesses remained closed. When the handshake took place, and political differences were set aside, the women were able to resume their projects. Loan repayment periods were adjusted accordingly.
