Flora | Nairobi
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Flora makes bracelets and coffee bags for 27&Oak. She and her husband have 5 children and one foster child.
“I have learned that knowledge is power and I can do all things through the Lord who strengthens me” says Flora as she moves from her sewing machine to the cutting table to meticulously patch up a coffee sleeve. “I am grateful to Buckner family for ensuring that we have a steady income through making of bracelets, coffee sleeves ... I can ensure my kids have money in school and save some as well. I have purchased a sewing machine that enables me sew bags, place mats and clothes whenever I am not weaving the bracelets.” |
Maurice and Magdalene | Nairobi
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Maurice and Magdalene are a young couple from the Dandora slums in Nairobi. They have two daughters and one foster child. Magdalene was orphaned at a young age and was forced to drop out of school in the 6th grade. Before working with 27&Oak, Magdalene did odd jobs like laundry, earning about a dollar a day.
Magdalene and her husband Maurice attended a ten-day training through Buckner International. Here, they learned to make bracelets and sew bags. Since then, bracelet making has changed their lives significantly “The income from making this bracelet has greatly eased the family tension. We can spend time together as a family and earn a decent livelihood. The proceeds from the bracelet making has enabled me pay debts from school and rent. Furthermore, I can comfortably meet my household needs,” says Maurice. “It is my prayer that we continue with this trade so that I can invest in my family and ensure that I take my children up to the university level so that they won’t have to be subjected to the tough life.” |
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John | Nairobi
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John, lives in Nairobi, Kenya with his wife and children. Until recently, John struggled to find a job to support his family.
John attended a training through Buckner International’s Family Hope Center to learn to make bracelets and tailor clothing. He also learned how to use these skills to make a profit. John’s wife also learned how to sew and make bracelets, allowing her to work to support her family alongside her husband. Now, John and his wife work for 27&Oak, sewing bags to hold coffee beans. This work provides them with job skills and a regular income, enabling them to provide for their children. For many families in Kenya, a steady income can be transformative, allowing them to plan for the future and achieve their goals. For John and his family, it means opportunity, empowerment and hope. |
Willys | Nairobi
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"When war broke out in Rwanda, I sheltered a Rwandan family and their 2-yr. old child in my home for 4 years and they taught me the banana leaf art form. In 2008, I came together with other people living with disabilities to market our handmade items to tourists, however security concerns have greatly reduced tourism along with our ability to make an income. The sales of these cards feeds my family and pays for school fees for my children. My life rotates around these cards. Asante sana!
Read his full story on the Buckner International blog. View Willy's Christmas Cards and Stationery. |
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