Women have been urged to take a leading role in lifting vulnerable communities out of poverty by backing programmes that promote education, improve livelihoods and economically empower families.
The call comes as Mombasa Relief Global Initiative (MRGI) steps up efforts to expand its community programmes across Kenya’s Coast region.
Speaking during the organisation’s International Women’s Day Charity Event in Mombasa, Mombasa Relief Global Initiative President, Terrill Facen urged women leaders, philanthropists and other well-wishers to mobilise resources for initiatives that feed vulnerable children, keep girls in school and equip women with marketable skills to achieve economic independence.
“When you empower a woman, you empower a family and an entire community. That is why we are calling on women and other well-wishers to join us in giving vulnerable children a chance to learn, grow and build a better future,” said Facen.
The organisation aims to triple its flagship school feeding programmes reach to between 1,800 and 2,000 children five days a week, ensuring that more learners from underserved communities can stay in school and concentrate on their education. The programme currently provides nutritious meals to about 600 vulnerable children every school day.
The US-registered non-profit organisation founded in March 2001, has spent more than two decades supporting vulnerable communities through education, nutrition, health awareness and economic empowerment programmes.
Facen said school feeding remains its flagship intervention because many children in informal settlements depend on the meals served at school as their only reliable source of nutrition.
“When we began working with one of the poorest schools in the slums, we realised many children only had one meal a day. The one we provided at school. That is why we have remained committed to ensuring no child has to learn on an empty stomach,” said Facen.
The organisation is planning to extend the programme to another school in an underserved community with between 1,250 and 1,500 learners, but says the expansion will depend on increased donor and community support.
“Our goal is to feed between 1,800 and 2,000 children every day. The need is there, and we are inviting individuals, businesses and development partners to partner with us to make this possible,” said Mombasa Relief Global Initiative Executive Director, Anna Seboru.
“We invite everyone to look at our work and our track record and support whichever programme resonates with them. Every contribution matters. We simply ask people to help us raise a child and transform a community,” added Mombasa Relief Global Initiative Treasurer, Donald Harris.
Beyond school feeding, MRGI supports children’s education from pre-primary through secondary school, helping to pay school fees for vulnerable learners, improve school infrastructure and supplement teachers’ salaries in partner schools.
The organisation also delivers health education on communicable diseases, reproductive health and life skills to help young people make informed decisions.
Recognising that empowering women strengthens entire communities, MRGI has also invested in vocational training programmes targeting school dropouts and young mothers.
Participants receive practical training in hairdressing, nail technology and make-up artistry, enabling them to secure employment or establish their own businesses, said Seboru.
Since launching the programme in 2022, the organisation has trained dozens of young women annually, while expanding this year to include additional beauty and cosmetology courses.
MRGI also supports school-based income-generating projects, including poultry and dairy farming, to promote sustainability and strengthen community resilience.
“We are calling on women, corporate organisations, philanthropists and development partners to support our programmes through donations and partnerships to ensure more children can access nutritious meals, quality education and opportunities to thrive,” said Facen.
