PLAN International through its programme, integrated intervention for adolescent girls in Covid 19, yesterday donated start-up kits to adolescent girls, a move meant to empower them economically.
The tools were given to 28 girls who have either completed or are almost completing their vocational training and have gained various skills to help them start businesses of their own.
The kits included electronic equipment (scanners, printers and laptops), plumbing equipment (filters, spanners and aprons), kitchen equipment (pans, gas cylinders, friers, plates and cups), sewing machines, hairdressing tools including dryers, and masonry equipment.
Speaking Thursday at Kabunde social hall within Homa Bay town after the handing over of the equipment to the beneficiaries, Mercy Sitawa, the project coordinator said the move was aimed at supporting girls to thrive economically.
PLAN International, through the programme which was started in February 2021 has also helped many girls in accessing basic education.
“Through the programme, we have managed to pay school fees for 31 girls in secondary schools and 28 from vocational training centres,” Sitawa said.
She however urged all the beneficiaries to use those tools for self and economic development, rather than depending on men who might want to take advantage of them.
The County Director for Youth, Electa Opar said the move was very effective as it will tremendously reduce cases of gender-based violence and teen pregnancies in the community.
“The provision of start-up kits to the young girls will help ensure they desist from begging for money from men which is one of the causes of GBV and teenage pregnancies,” Opar said.
She added that the National Government through the Ministry of Youth Affairs is looking for ways of funding girls through the Youth Fund.
Brenda Awuor, a beneficiary expressed her gratitude saying her kit which consisted of kitchen cutlery will help her start a hotel business and promised to provide employment to other girls too as a way of giving back to the community.
Another beneficiary, Lillian Orogo, who got a printer, scanner, and laptop thanked the organization and asked them to continue touching hearts in the community.
By Nicholas Otieno
