Mombasa Guides have been assisting to equip young women with vocational skills for financial empowerment. The centre conducts a two year program during which the young women gain skills to pass the Trade Test certification. They stay another year to perfect their skills. Trainings are als carried out in entrepreneurship, Computer literacy, production, Life skills and peer education on HIV/AIDS prevention among others. All this is geared towards building self confidence and promoting self independence for the disabled, hence gaining financial empowerment. The Centre was established in 1992 with a capacity of 20 ladies. With the growing demand for the facility, Mombasa Girl Guides embarked on the expansion in December 2009.
The volunteers and staff have worked tirelessly but are now happy to celebrate the official opening of the expanded Phase 1 which will see more girls admitted to the centre. This was held on 16th April 2011 from 10.00 am.We must thank our Project Manager, Agnes Nyanjui and Mr. & Mrs. Prem Shah who worked tirelessly. The Hostel is given name: Damu and Prem Shah Hostel.
The official opening was conducted by Lion Dr Lata Ravi Magon in memory of her late husband. Dr. Ravi Magon was First Lion Club Mombasa Chairman who brought a hand-pump for the Borehole at Shanzu.The Rooms were officially opened. Other guests who blessed the occassion included; Mrs. Mahinda who is a trustee and a member of WAGGGS Board & Kenya Girl Guides Association, Deputy Chief Commissioner of K.G.G.A, Secretary of National Trefoil Guild, Anne Barangi, District Commissioner Kisauni, Mr. Tom Anjere, Chief Shanzu, the Provincial Director of Gender and Social Development, Chairlady Mombasa Women Association with many members, Friends of Fort Jesus, St. John’s Officials, Bombolulu & APDK officials, Trefoil Guild members from Madagascar & Kenya, many Donors, specially, Mr.& Mrs. Ramesh Shah from Nairobi, Sudha Shah from U.K.,Nilesh and Meena Doshi and Young Leaders from Nyeri and many members of Guide Family.
During the function the Young Women entertained guests with songs and poems urging the community to give opportunity to persons with disabilities. To crown the event, there was cake Cutting ceremony as cake was donated by Serena Beach Hotel. after which guests were served with a delicious lunch donated by Mr. Ayub of Sonara Budha. Mombasa Guides now appeal to all well wishers to donate equipment/furniture needed for the various rooms e.g. the library and physiotherapy rooms. We also require funds for the construction of phase 2. We are also appealing to the religious organization to assist in the building of a prayer room for the disabled young women who are forced to go out of the compound to attend to prayers. We appreciate all our supporters and we thank the Almighty for all the achievements.
Report prepared by the organizers D.P.Shah, Agnes Nyanjui and Christine Kazungu, Elizabeth Gitonga.
