Hope through tailoring.

Concilia Atieno, who grew up in Kibera with her three sisters and one brother, completed her Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education in 2023. She scored an average grade of C-, but due to financial challenges, her parents advised her to wait a year before enrolling in tertiary education. “My name is Concilia Otieno, and I am a 20-year-old young lady. I was raised with my three sisters and one brother. I finished my high school studies in 2023, alongside my sister. Since my parents are not financially well-off, they suggested that we wait for a year before joining tertiary education. However, I wasn’t sure if that would be possible, especially considering that raising tuition fees for both of us with an employment salary of $116.31 was challenging,” Concilia explained.

Concilia is grateful for the Women Empowerment program, which came to her at a pivotal moment when she was on the verge of giving up on her dreams. “During that waiting period, I learned about this program through another initiative called DREAMS. It was a timely opportunity, as I was determined to pursue nursing, despite having a long-standing desire to study fashion and design since primary school,” she reflected. 

Her mother reminded her of her dream of tailoring and urged her not to switch to nursing, as she struggled with sciences. “Before I learned about the tailoring course, I told my mom I wanted to study nursing at the tertiary level. She encouraged me not to give up on my dream of tailoring, saying, ‘You cannot let go of an aspiration you’ve had since primary school and turn to nursing, which may not be suitable for you since you are not good at sciences,” Concilia recalled.  “It was at that moment that I realized the importance of this opportunity, and I am so glad that I joined.” Her motivation comes from within, as she is committed to completing the course and making a positive impact on her community.  “Since this is an answered prayer, I am determined to keep moving forward until I finish the course. I am especially grateful to be in a community where women support each other, and the teacher is open and willing to help us. I believe I, too, will be able to contribute positively to my community,” she assured. 

In just two weeks, Concilia has made significant progress. “Since we began learning, I have already mastered making a baby’s dress with both circular and gathered designs. I am very pleased with my progress,” she expressed.