HOCW is a community; therefore, it is best described by those who contribute to it.
““I joined HOCW in 2019 as a student in the English language courses. After completing the program, I began leading Friday debates, which helped me become more confident and more involved in the community.
Today, I work as a chef at HOCW’s Citizen Restaurant. English is no longer a barrier to communicating with my colleagues or clients, and the confidence I gained through learning the language has also inspired me to develop and introduce new dishes for our customers.
HOCW has been more than a place where I learned English. It has helped me grow, discover my abilities, and become part of a community. HOCW is a home to me.””
““Before joining HOCW, I depended on my husband for everything and often felt like a burden to my family. In 2017, I joined HOCW’s tailoring training and graduated in 2018. The skills I gained gave me confidence, independence, and a way to earn an income.
What I value most about HOCW is that mothers can learn, work, and grow while their young children are safe, supported, and cared for. This has allowed me to build a better future for myself while also giving my children opportunities to grow. Today, I earn through tailoring, support my family, and share my skills with other women. HOCW has helped me become more independent while strengthening my family’s future.””
“Life was very hard. I struggled to provide for my family, and the lack of food and income often caused stress and tension at home. At times, I felt I was not doing enough for the people I loved.
Through HOCW’s training in farming, poultry keeping, and beekeeping, I gained practical skills that have helped me produce food and earn an income. Today, I am able to meet my family’s needs, which makes me happy, confident, and proud as a man and a provider.
The income and food from these activities have brought greater peace and stability to my family by reducing unnecessary tension at home. I am truly grateful to HOCW for helping me become more self-reliant and better able to care for my family.”
“I had always dreamed of empowering young girls, but I lacked the opportunity and resources to make it happen. Joining HOCW as a hairdresser gave me the opportunity to turn that dream into reality and use my skills to support and inspire other girls.
Today, I share my skills with women and girls, helping them learn hairdressing, earn an income, support their families, and become more independent. To me, this is more than beauty, it is empowerment.
What touches me most is seeing their confidence grow. I am grateful to HOCW for giving me the opportunity to change lives and live my dream of empowering women and girls in my community.”
“I’m very grateful for the basic computer skills I have learned. I have gained knowledge in typing, creating and managing files, using the internet, and working with different computer programs. These skills have improved my confidence and made it easier for me to learn and perform different tasks. I believe this knowledge will be very useful in my studies, work, and future.”
“Before I joined the SACCO, I used to spend all my income. But now, I have developed a habit of saving, and my savings have helped me access loans that have grown my small business.
At times, I face challenges with school fees, and I am able to take a loan to meet these needs. What I find good and unique about this SACCO is that, as a struggling single mother, I do not need collateral to access a loan. This is one of the things that motivates me to continue being a member.
The loan process is always smooth, and the repayment is very manageable. I am truly grateful.”