In April 2024, Virginia Kamau (23) and her baby lost their home to flooding. The simply built corrugated iron huts in the Mathare slum in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, were unable to withstand the torrential water. The effects of the climate crisis once again hit the poorest.
But the single mother was lucky. As a participant in the Solar Learning for Women project, Virginia Kamau (see portrait below) contacted our local partner organisation. Thanks to the money raised through an appeal for donations, we were able to provide emergency aid for her and the other affected participants in our projects.
The flood came at an inopportune moment: “I don’t have enough money at the moment to raise my baby,” says Virginia Kamau. During her pregnancy, she decided that she would go her own way with her child. This is not easy, as women in Kenya are at a significant economic disadvantage compared to men.
As a participant in the Solar Learning for Women project, Virginia Kamau has seized her opportunity: she wants to become a solar technician. Earning her own money is an important step towards independence for the young mother.
Despite the strenuous and often long days, Virginia Kamau loved the training: “I especially like the practical training, because I love wiring. It just makes me feel good,” she says with a smile on her face.
In the meantime, Virginia Kamau has passed the state final examinations, received her certificate as a solar technician and was offered a job by a solar company straight after her presentation at the graduation ceremony.
As a solar technician, she wants to earn enough money to provide a better life for herself and her child. At the same time, she firmly believes that solar energy will play a major role in Kenya’s future. This is because the sun is reliably available, the energy is stable and much cheaper than conventional electricity.
An education is a unique opportunity for economically disadvantaged people in Kenya to break out of the poverty spiral. Support us with your donation so that we can offer many more people the opportunity that Virginia Kamau has seized. Are you with us?