Mercy, a single mother of 3, lives in Githurai, Kenya, where the COVID-19 pandemic wrecked the economy in an area already struggling to meet basic needs. Hunger and poverty are chronic, and with few employment opportunities, crime and substance abuse flourishes, especially among the many young people who have dropped out of school. With no other means of supporting themselves and their children, single mothers like Mercy fall prey to sexual exploitation and trafficking, and are desperate for help. Thankfully, in this dark place, the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, are there to offer a lifeline.
When the Sisters first welcomed Mercy, she felt worthless, thanks to the abusive husband she left behind. She was withdrawn, disoriented, and prone to fainting. With no education, Mercy couldn’t find work, so she and her children were malnourished and lacking basic needs. The Sisters enrolled her in the Madonna Empowerment Program, a year long skills training program designed to improve the livelihoods of single mothers. Women in the program learn to sew, tailor and knit. They also attend seminars that teach them their rights and how to unlock their own potential. Upon graduation, the Sisters help them find employment or start their own small businesses. And, thanks to an SRW grant, last year the Madonna Empowerment Program doubled in size, so more women in Githurai can gain financial independence, reclaim their rights, and provide for their children.
While in the Madonna Empowerment Program, Mercy learned uniform making and found a part-time job upon graduation. Today, with her steady income, she can pay her rent each month, and she also started her own small business out of her home, further securing her independence and boosting her confidence. Most importantly, thanks to the Sisters and SRW donors, Mercy’s children have their mother back, with her health and dignity restored.
Thanks to the generosity of SRW donors, Sister Mirriam Goretti from the Cor Mariae school in Kenya recently purchased a bus to safely transport her students to and from school. In the past, many female students were forced to drop out due to the risk of sexual assault and trafficking during the daily walk home […]
When Anna Ellis first heard about Sisters Rising Worldwide, it was through a spark – two, actually. Her neighbor at the time, Kelly Mallon Young, and Sister Irene O’Neill had recently connected and were energized about an idea that was just beginning to take shape. “They’re both spark plugs,” Anna said. “You just know if […]
