IRC president George Rupp in Kenya

Somali lady sewing Photo: Joanne Offer/The IRC

 
Here's an update from IRC president George Rupp, who is visiting IRC programs in Kenya:

I am pleased to be traveling in Kenya this week to visit International Rescue Committee programs and meet some of the refugees we serve here.  Our first stop was in Nairobi. 

In the community of Eastleigh, we met one of seven women's groups that the IRC supports as part of our work with urban refugees, primarily from Somalia. The 24 women in this group operate a bakery in a small rented space, making biscuits in a Somali style favored by fellow refugees. In another location nearby they produce clothing and decorative items, and shared with me a spreadsheet detailing their cost and profit per item. 

These small-business initiatives and IRC literacy classes are contributing to better economic security for the women and an improved standard of living.  We are also helping the women's group to formally register as a community organization, which will mean they can access their own resources and become self-sufficient.

Read about Day 2 of the trip.