Over the past few months, our project in Moyale has reached an important milestone: the launch of our long-planned self-help groups for widowed mothers. What was once only a vision has now become a life-changing reality for many families.
Our goal has always been to ensure that the orphaned children we support can grow up in a safe and caring environment while continuing their education. At the heart of this is the empowerment of their mothers – who have lost not only their partners, but also their financial security and social support. Every day, these women face enormous challenges simply to provide for their children and survive.
Through the self-help groups, we want to create lasting opportunities that strengthen these mothers both economically and socially, enabling them to build a stable future for themselves and their families.
In March 2026, with the support of our local partner organization, 60 widowed mothers came together to form four self-help groups. While many women initially approached the idea with uncertainty and hesitation, trust gradually grew through community outreach and awareness activities. Local community leaders and regional authorities have also become actively involved in supporting the initiative.
Before joining the groups, the women participated in intensive, practical training sessions. They learned about the principles of self-help groups, bookkeeping, savings and credit management, small business development, and essential life skills. Equipped with new knowledge and confidence, groups of 15–20 women organized themselves independently, created their own bylaws, elected leaders, arranged weekly meetings, and agreed on regular savings contributions.
Each week, the women carefully document their savings contributions and deposit them into a shared bank account with guidance from staff members and local banking support.
For many participants, this has been a deeply transformative experience:
- Isolation is turning into community
- Uncertainty is giving way to confidence
- Dependence is becoming self-reliance
The self-help groups provide more than financial support – they create a sense of belonging, dignity, and hope. The women now have a place where they are heard, respected, and empowered to shape their own future and the future of their children.
As the program continues, the women will be able to use their savings, together with additional support funds, to launch their own small businesses. Ongoing mentoring and training will continue to guide them on this journey toward long-term independence and sustainability.
This is how lasting change happens — step by step, family by family.
Yet many more mothers and children are still waiting for this opportunity.
Your support can make it possible.
With a one-time donation of €100, a mother can participate in a self-help group and build a stronger future for herself and her children.