op:coop

Partnering to Save Lifes in Kenya

Women in Seattle partner with Kenyan women to realize fulfillment of their wildest dreams - a climb out of poverty. In Seattle, women save money in various creative ways. One woman started a jewelry making company, one sells cosmetics - both giving of their proceeds for the project. Many more give from their hard-earned salaries or save in the equivalent of a "piggy" bank, which we call a Harambee bank. Harambee is Swahili for “let’s pull together.” In Kenya, the women are also saving by crushing rocks for gravel, making sisal rope, gathering the sisal from plants which grow alongside the dirt roads. Seattle women (and a few others around the country) match dollar for dollar, doubling the Kenyan women's purchasing power for 10,000 liter rain water catchment tanks. Women gain an average of 5 hours per day when they no longer need to walk for dirty water. They are able to start small businesses with their new found time and the proceeds go to send their daughters to school and further improve their lives. The hope realized has created dynamic leaders in Kenya, women who willingly share with women in neighboring villages and encourage their participation in starting a similar project. Now we need more U.S. partners to keep up with the Kenya women! Will you be a partner?

Comments (4)

• stephen guy

  the kofi anan quote is the truth and you are living it you are creating power – but not the old kind – this is a new kind of power – power with rather than power over. more power to you. i am not a woman but i would like to make a contributon to your project. you are not just changinrg lives – this is om the ievel of whole world view.

• Judi Krabill

  Thanks for your supportive comment Stephen.

  We are ever so grateful for donations, which can be made at our website – http://www.womensenterprises.org – or mailed to WEI, P.O. Box 95775, Seattle, WA 98145.

  It’s people like you who truly make a positive difference in the world!

• stephen guy

  done. just a small donation. a new global wordview is a bargain for $25. i am with another group seeking this grant- egrr. what a great thing to be amoung so many worthy projects such as yours. perhaps these creative presentation will have a life beyond this grant to build greater awareness and support for all our organizatons. keep up your good work judi.

• Judi Krabill

  Thanks so much, Stephen. We received your gift and GREATLY appreciate it. I agree – there are lots of extremely worthwhile projects out there and it would be great to build support. Best to your and your org. Judi