Girl Power Club Businesses progress

The Girl Power Club members were excited when they received business funding from Brown-Forman. This money allowed them to start small businesses and learn what it means to be an entrepreneur. The girls quickly formed groups, shared ideas, and chose what items they wanted to sell. They used the money to buy snacks, beauty products, and other small goods. For many, this was their first time running a real business, and they were excited to begin.

Challenges Along the Way

Even though the girls were happy to start, they faced some challenges. One big problem was that prices in the shops were higher than expected. This meant they couldn’t buy as many items as they had planned.

“We thought we would get more items, but when we went to buy, the prices were too high,” Sharon Akinyi, a student from Brainstorm Primary School, explained.

Another issue was teamwork. In some groups, not all members wanted to help. This made it hard for the rest of the group to run the business smoothly. Some of the team members only wanted specific roles like keeping the profit, but not the selling and buying.

The girls also noticed that sales were low. Since they were only selling in school, they didn’t have many customers, and it was hard to make enough money.

Finding New Ideas and Support

The Girl Power mentors are helping the girls solve these challenges. They are encouraging them to:

• Sell outside the school to reach more people and not only the students.

• Make their selling fun by adding music or dancing, and entertaining their customers.

• Ask the community for support and to buy from them
  
  

Mentors are also helping the girls work better as a team and making sure everyone plays a role.

Moving Forward

Even with the struggles, the girls are learning a lot. They now understand that business is not always easy, but with teamwork and creative thinking, they can keep improving. Thanks to Brown-Forman’s support, they are building confidence and learning important life skills.

The Girl Power Club is showing that with support and determination, young girls can do great things.

#girlpower #empoweringgirls

Girl Power Club Businesses Growth.

 Girl Power Club Businesses Grow with Help from Brown-Forman

The Girl Power Club members were excited when they received business funding from Brown-Forman. This money allowed them to start small businesses and learn what it means to be an entrepreneur.

The girls quickly met in their groups, shared ideas, and chose what items they wanted to sell. They used the money to buy snacks, beauty products, and other small goods. For many, this was their first time running a real business, and they were excited to begin.

Challenges Along the Way

Even though the girls were happy to start, they faced some challenges. One big problem was that prices in the shops were higher than expected. This meant they couldn’t buy as many items as they had planned, so they had to adjust their selling prices too.

“We thought we would get more items, but when we went to buy, the prices were too high,” one student explained.

Another issue was teamwork. In some groups, not all members wanted to help. This made it hard for the rest of the group to run the business smoothly. In a specific group, the members reported that some team members only wanted to keep the profit and not take part in the buying and selling

The girls also noticed that sales were low. Since they were only selling in school, they didn’t have many customers, and it was hard to make enough money.

Finding New Ideas and Support

The Girl Power mentors are helping the girls solve these problems. They are encouraging them to:

• Sell outside the school to reach more people

• Make their selling fun by adding music or dancing

• Ask the community for support and to buy from them

Mentors are also helping the girls work better as a team and making sure everyone plays a role.

Moving Forward

Even with the struggles, the girls are learning a lot. They now understand that business is not always easy, but with teamwork and creative thinking, they can keep improving. Thanks to Brown-Forman’s support, they are building confidence and learning important life skills.

The Girl Power Club is showing that with support and determination, young girls can do great things.

#GirlPower 

#Entrepreneurship 

#YoungWomenInBusiness 

#BuildingTheFuture

Girl Power Business Funding

 Girl Power Business Funding

Sponsored by Brown-Forman

We are pleased to report a significant milestone in the Girl Power program, which was made possible through the generous support of Brown-Forman. After a period of anticipation and preparation, selected Girl Power clubs have received funding to implement their business plans and ideas. This was met with great excitement and joy by the girls. We began with 160 girls across 8 schools, who were equally divided into 25 groups.

The funding has enabled the girls to begin working on their entrepreneurial ventures, which they had been planning for some time. Some of the business ideas that stood out include selling snacks during school break times, running small stationery shops, and other creative and practical initiatives that will be able to meet needs within their school environment. This opportunity has not only brought their dreams closer to reality but also boosted their confidence and belief in their ability to succeed as young entrepreneurs.

One of the groups at Brainstorm is running a small stationery shop where they sell pens, pencils, exercise books, erasers and shapeners. The group reported to have been making sales since the items they sell are always needed by the other students and they sell them at the convenience of the school compound.

Joyce, a girl Power Clubs mentor taking the girls through a session on how to make profit in business.

However, not all groups were able to progress to the funding stage.Some teams, though enthusiastic and full of potential, did not meet the requirements to proceed to the next stage. Only 15 groups made it to the next stage of receiving the funding while 10 groups did not qualify to receive funding.In response, Girl Power mentors are now taking time to provide additional guidance and training on developing strong business plans and practical ideas. This process will better prepare these groups for future opportunities, and we are hopeful that in the next recruitment phase, they will be well-positioned to receive support.

The Girl Power mentors are committed to doing follow ups to make sure the businesses run effectively.They do this through weekly sessions with the girls where together they discuss topics like buying low and selling high, the power of teamwork in business, how to attract customers and how to maintain them and how to do record keeping.

As Girl Power, we extend our gratitude to Brown-Forman for their continued partnership and commitment to empowering girls. Their support brings business ideas to life and inspires a new generation of confident, creative, and capable young entrepreneurs.

#GirlPower 

#Entrepreneurship 

#YoungWomenInBusiness 

#BuildingTheFuture

Success Stories: Girls Thriving in Business

Thanks to the support from Brown-Forman, Girl Power successfully trained young girls in business skills last year. The training helped them come up with business ideas, manage money, and learn how to run small businesses. Today, we celebrate their success and the difference this program has made in their lives.

Growing Small Businesses

The girls took the lessons seriously and turned their ideas into real businesses:

• Selling Snacks: Some students started selling snacks during school breaks, making a small profit while providing tasty treats to their classmates.

• Selling Stationery: A few girls noticed students often needed pens, books, and other supplies. They began selling stationery to their friends, helping them easily obtain what they needed.

• Uniform Repairs: Home science students used their sewing skills to fix torn uniforms for their schoolmates. This saved money for many students and reduced waste.

Learning and Growing

These businesses have helped the girls gain confidence, responsibility, and a sense of independence. They now understand how to manage money, solve problems, and plan for the future. Many of them want to keep improving their businesses and help other girls do the same.

What’s Next?

The girls are excited to keep learning and growing. They want to expand their businesses and encourage more students to start their own. Thanks to the training, they are becoming more responsible and better community members.

We are so proud of their progress and grateful to Brown-Forman for making this possible. With more support, we can help even more girls gain the skills they need to succeed in life.

#GirlPower 

#Entrepreneurship 

#YoungWomenInBusiness 

#BuildingTheFuture

Empowered to Empower: How Joyce, Monicah, and Juliana Are Giving Back Through Girl Power Clubs.

 Empowered to Empower: How Joyce, Monicah, and Juliana Are Giving Back Through Girl Power Clubs.

In the heart of Kibera, where challenges often overshadow opportunities, three young women are proving that empowerment has a ripple effect. Joyce, Monicah, and Juliana, once beneficiaries of the Girl Power Clubs program, have now stepped into leadership roles as mentors. Their journey from being mentored to becoming mentors is a testament to the transformative power of support, education, and community.

The Girl Power Clubs Initiative

Girl Power Club aims to equip girls with confidence, leadership skills, and the motivation to overcome societal barriers. For years, the program has nurtured young minds, fostering resilience and ambition among its participants.

From Beneficiaries to Mentors.

Joyce 

Juliana

Monicah

Joyce Monicah, and Juliana were once students in schools where Girl Power Clubs ran its programs. As participants, they learned about leadership, personal development, and teamwork—skills that helped shape them into the young women they are today. Now, having completed high school this past year, they have chosen to return as mentors, eager to give back to the community that once supported them.

Their decision to join Girl Power Clubs as mentors is not just a personal milestone but also an inspiring example of how empowerment cycles through generations. They understand firsthand the challenges that young girls in Kibera face, making them uniquely positioned to mentor and inspire the next generation.

Training for Impact.

To prepare them for their new roles, Joyce, Monicah, and Juliana underwent comprehensive training sessions. They received guidance in leadership, session moderation, communication, and mentorship techniques. This training was designed to equip them with the necessary tools to lead, inspire, and effectively engage with the young girls they will be mentoring.

Beyond formal training, their lived experiences add immense value to their mentorship. They bring authenticity, empathy, and real-life lessons that make them relatable role models for the younger girls in the program.

A Journey of Transformation.

The transition from mentee to mentor is an exciting and fulfilling one for these young women. They are eager to step into this new chapter, share their stories, and provide guidance to the next cohort of Girl Power Club members. Their presence as mentors will serve as a powerful reminder that change is possible and that investing in young girls today creates the leaders of tomorrow.

As they embark on this journey, their enthusiasm is power. They are not just mentors; they are symbols of hope and resilience. Their dedication proves that when young girls are empowered, they will, in turn, uplift others.

The Ripple Effect of Empowerment.

The story of Joyce, Monicah, and Juliana is a shining example of how mentorship and empowerment create lasting change. Their journey underscores the importance of investing in young girls, not just for their individual growth but for the development of entire communities.

Through Girl Power Clubs, these young women have come full circle—transforming from beneficiaries to leaders. Their commitment to giving back ensures that the cycle of empowerment continues, shaping a brighter future for the young girls in Kibera.

Their journey is just beginning, but their impact will be felt for years to come. And as they step into their new roles, one thing is certain: empowered girls empower others.

Joyce talking to Girl Power club members at Joy springs school.

 

A Memorable Safari Camp at Sadili: Where Tennis and Life Skills Converged.

A Memorable Safari Camp at Sadili: Where Tennis and Life Skills Converged.

From August 5th to 16th, Sadili Oval's serene surroundings hosted a unique and inspiring event—a tennis safari camp that brought together 30 enthusiastic children from the Sadili area. Over these two weeks, the camp provided not just a platform for developing tennis skills but also a nurturing environment for instilling life values that would serve these young athletes well beyond the court.

Each morning, the children, some of whom stayed at the Sadili facility, arrived punctually, excited for the day’s activities. The energy was palpable as the kids eagerly lined up, ready to absorb every bit of knowledge their coaches had to offer. The dedication of the coaches was equally remarkable. With boundless enthusiasm, they guided the young players, focusing on both technique and the joy of the game. Their passion was contagious, as they turned every session into a dynamic learning experience, ensuring no child was left behind. 

In addition to honing their tennis skills, the camp also offered a series of life skills talks, emphasizing the values that define a good sportsman—discipline, respect, teamwork, and perseverance. These principles are carried into the children's lives and studies, helping them grow into well-rounded individuals.

Renowned coach Judy Murray takes a moment with two excited young players.

A highlight of the camp was the visit from renowned world coach Judy Murray. Her presence was a special treat for the children, as she shared her wealth of knowledge and took the time to play with them, creating memories that the kids will cherish for years to come. Judy’s involvement was a testament to the camp’s commitment to providing top-tier coaching and inspiring young players. 

After a day filled with learning and fun, the children were treated to a meal before heading home, a small but significant gesture that underscored the camp's holistic approach to caring for its participants.

The Sadili safari camp was more than just a tennis camp—it was a transformative experience for the children involved. They left not only as better tennis players but as more confident and capable individuals, ready to apply the lessons they learned both on and off the court. 

A Recap of Our Recent Business Competition.

 

A mentor explaining how to develop a business plan

Empowering Dreams: A Recap of Our Recent Business Competition

At Girl Power Clubs Africa, we aim to uplift and empower girls living in the slums through mentorship and hands-on sporting experiences. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a thrilling business competition where our girls showcased their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Here’s a peek into what unfolded during this exciting event and the valuable lessons our participants learned.

The Business Competition

Our business competition, which was kindly sponsored and mentored in conjunction with the lady staff of Brown Forman was a vibrant showcase of talent and innovation. The girls were tasked with developing a business plan, and they eagerly took on the challenge. Each team worked diligently to craft ideas that were not only creative but also practical for their communities.

Learning Through the Process

1. Crafting Business Plans: The girls learned the basics of writing a business plan. This included identifying their business idea, understanding their target market, and planning financials. The process taught them how to set goals and think critically about how to make their ideas successful.

2. Teamwork:

Working in teams was a significant part of the competition. The girls discovered the power of collaboration and the importance of each team member’s contribution. They learned to communicate effectively, delegate tasks, and support one another. This teamwork not only helped them refine their ideas but also built strong bonds among them.

3. Problem-Solving: Throughout the competition, the girls faced challenges and obstacles. They learned how to approach problems creatively and find solutions together. This experience taught them resilience and adaptability—key skills for any entrepreneur.

Looking Forward

The excitement doesn’t end with the competition! Our girls are eagerly looking forward to the possibility of receiving funds to bring their business ideas to life. They’re excited about the prospect of seeing their hard work turn into reality and making a positive impact in their communities.

Conclusion

The business competition was more than just a contest; it was an opportunity for growth and empowerment. Our girls have gained valuable skills in business planning, teamwork, and problem-solving. They’re inspired and ready to take the next steps toward making their entrepreneurial dreams come true. At Girl Power Clubs Africa, we’re proud of their achievements and excited to support them as they turn their visions into vibrant, thriving businesses.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us and for supporting the incredible potential of

our young entrepreneurs. Together, we’re helping to shape a brighter future for girls in Kibera.

THE ROAD TO THE GIRL POWER CHILD-ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETITION: JUNE

GIRL POWER CLUBS AFRICA TAKES A BOLD STEP TO BUILD AND SUPPORT BUSINESS INITIATIVES AMONG CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS.

Joy and excitement fill the minds and hearts of members of Girl Power Clubs Africa as we draw near to the competition day which is on the 22nd of June 2024.  In the previous weeks the participants have been grouped into different groups and with the help of their facilitators have been able to come up with outstanding business ideas. During the group formation, the facilitators were keen enough to put the participants in groups without bias and in a way that everyone was comfortable. The facilitators mixed the students in the upper classes with those in the lower classes, those who are quick to learn and who take time to learn a new concept. Each group got to select a leader amongst themselves and the group leaders received instructions from the facilitators and they pass the information to the rest of the group.

***

Key areas that will be looked at by the judges focus on teamwork. This will be to see whether the group worked together to develop one idea. Other things to look at will include communication skills in the group, how organized they are, and their confidence while presenting the idea.

***

PRICES FOR THE WINNERS

The start-up competition is aimed at evaluating the business ideas that the participants have and selecting the ones that qualify to receive financial support. A total of Ksh. 20,000 has been set aside to be distributed to the winners on this level. This award will motivate the participants to do their best and also help them to begin to realize that their dreams are achievable even at a young age. The winners will also get a chance to get one-on-one mentorship with some of our partners in the business department.

By Medrine

Girl Power Business Formation Groups

Girl Power Clubs Africa members across Nairobi are thrilled about the opportunity to receive business education from our dedicated facilitators. This initiative aims to equip young girls with essential entrepreneurial skills, fostering their creativity and empowering them to explore their potential. The students have been organized into groups of about seven, based on their unique skills and abilities, ensuring a diverse range of talents and perspectives within each team.

Within these groups, the girls engage in dynamic brainstorming sessions, exploring various business ideas they can start at a young age. Some of the innovative business ideas presented by the girls include selling snacks like mandazis to their peers during break time and offering mending services for torn school uniforms. These ideas reflect the girls' keen understanding of their immediate environment and the practical needs of their fellow students.

The girls are confident that, with the support and guidance from the facilitators and teachers, they can successfully implement these business ideas. This confidence is nurtured through hands-on learning experiences and mentorship, which provide the girls with a solid foundation in business principles and practical skills.

As seen in the picture, some Girl Power members are actively discussing their business ideas, demonstrating their enthusiasm and commitment to this initiative. The discussions are vibrant and filled with creative energy, as the girls exchange thoughts and refine their concepts.

Lillian, one of the students, expressed her excitement about the program: 

"When I grow up, I want to become a businesswoman, so getting a business education right now will help me become responsible and achieve my goals in the future."

Her statement highlights the profound impact this program has on the girls, inspiring them to envision a future where they are empowered, responsible, and successful.

This initiative not only provides the girls with valuable business knowledge but also instills in them a sense of responsibility and ambition. By nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, the program lays the groundwork for a generation of empowered women ready to contribute positively to their communities and the broader economy.

..............................................................................................................................

Written by Medrine Kidavae

Girl Power Clubs Africa Celebrates the Menstrual Hygiene Day 24

The Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed to create awareness and to act to address the challenges and hardships faced by women and adolescent girls during menstruation.

Thematically, the 10th Menstrual Hygiene Day celebrated on the 28th of May 2024, underlined the commitment to making menstruation a normalized and respected aspect of life. The focus was on ensuring that by 2030, no one is held back because they menstruate. This vision aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, education, and gender equality. 

The Girl Power Clubs Africa joined the world in making this day a memorable one specifically in Kenya around the Kibera neighborhoods.

The facilitation of menstrual hygiene.

 Every organization was doing it in its own way. For Girl Power Clubs Africa, we went to one of the schools which we partner with, to talk about how society views menstruation and if fathers and other stakeholders in the society were involved in creating awareness to everyone in the society to be part of it and help the girls during their cycle by providing sanitary towel and any basic thing

 

The girls were given a forum to share their views on how society viewed menstruation, it was the negative response that most fathers are not involved furthermore they view it as the mother’s responsibility to handle such issues, what if a girl doesn’t have a mother who will help her during this journey? This question keeps ringing in the girls' minds and community as a whole.

The mentors facilitated proper hygiene to the girls during their cycle, disposing of used sanitary towels and how to wear them, and what challenges they are facing during their cycle and is a lot of challenge that needs to be addressed so that our girls overcome this menstrual stigma.

By Laura Adera, Sadili

 

Child Mentorship - The Long Awaited GIRL POWER CLUB Program Resumes

What if your children could learn the basics of starting a business and even have mentors to follow them up to make even as small as 10 dollars per month as they pursue their education at a young age? Imagine your child of 8 in 10 years. __Read through

After school reopening had been postponed for two long weeks thanks to heavy rains, the Kenyan government through the Ministry of Education announced that all schools re-open and students report back to school for their second term. But this was only after the heavy rains from April 18 till date had gracefully reduced.

Girl Power Club on a visit to Miracle and Victory Educational Centre 

What does this mean for the Girl Power Club?

This means we again have the chance to continue empowering the girl children through high-class mentorship and sports.

This week from 20th to 25th May, we started our weekly visits to the schools we partner with. As seen in the picture, this is one of our facilitators engaging with the girls during a session at Miracle and Victory Educational Centre in Kibera, Nairobi.

The girls are happy to be back in school and even excited they will continue to be empowered through the girl power sessions.

“I am glad that our mentors teach us some things that we are not taught in class by our teachers." Levine, a girl power club member said.

Some said they always look forward to the club days in school as they know they get to meet and interact with their mentors from Girl Power Club, something they really enjoy; something that inspires and motivates them.

This term our focus is on Business education and our goal is to equip the participants with knowledge and skills that will enable them to start up small businesses even at their young age. We look forward to a successful second term with the girls while helping them acquire leadership skills through our activities.

You can partner with us and we walk this journey of empowering girls together for a better future.

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Comment your interest below or email us at girlpowerclubs@gmail.com

ANOTHER COVID-19 HITS HARD ON KENYA

 FEAR AND ANGER RISE WITH DELAYED DREAMS AMIDST SCHOOL POSTPONEMENT DUE TO FLOODS IN KENYA

Another COVID-19 - Like Consequence of FLOOD HITS Kenya in the GROINS!

For weeks now, heavy rains have continued to drag over half of Kenya with the humans therein. More than 163,000 residents in Nairobi have now been evacuated, some voluntarily and some forcefully, as the government announced Sunday(CNN).

Its severity has provoked the Kenyan government to postpone school re-openings until further notice on who is winning this talk of war. School resumption has been pushed from the initial date, 30th April, to an unknown date to be communicated as the rain is contained. Let’s take a look at the feelings on the streets of Kenya, how they have received this news, and what this means to examination classes.

The girl power mentors paid a visit to the slums of Kibera to a few club members to see how they were faring and to hear their views on the delay of school re-opening. We interviewed Meldrine a Form 4 student at Kibera Girls Soccer Academy. Meldrine who is supposed to sit for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams in November this year said that she was afraid that they would be left behind as far as the syllabus is concerned. Additionally, they will have no time to exhaust the topics programmed for the second term. Meldrine said looking sad...

credit: CNN

“What if the rains go on and on? That will mean we might not be able to go back to school soon and I may not become a doctor in the future as I have always wanted to be.”

Despite the fear, she hopes the rains will reduce and all the students in the country will return to school. 

We also spoke to Meldrine’s mother who is a single mother of five. She explained how the late postponement affected her financial plans because she had planned ahead of the term, now this is a big blow to herself and her children.

We spoke to Ivy a grade 5 student at Joseph Kang’ethe Primary School who mentioned that she has used this period to continue building her sportsmanship in soccer at a field near her home. She said that she looks forward to the school re-opening to resume her journey of becoming a lawyer. Her mother mentioned that although Ivy is happy to be using this time to play soccer she is afraid that by the time schools re-open she will have no money for her school fees since she has used her savings to provide meals and to keep the family safe during the floods.

Another parent added…“I just pray that this flood will not be like the COVID-19 pandemic where the kids stayed at home for almost one year. I hope they can go back to school as soon as possible and their dreams will not be delayed or shuttered by the catastrophic floods.” 

Our prayer goes to all the families displaced and affected in one way or the other!

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