Women have been challenged to take a more active role in transforming vulnerable communities by championing education, supporting school feeding programmes and driving initiatives that create sustainable economic opportunities for families across Kenya’s Coast region.
The call was made during the Mombasa Relief Global Initiative (MRGI) International Women’s Day Charity Event, where the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to expanding programmes that address poverty through education, nutrition, health awareness and women’s economic empowerment.
Speaking at the event, MRGI President Terrill Facen said empowering women remains one of the most effective ways of uplifting entire communities, urging philanthropists, women leaders and development partners to support programmes targeting vulnerable children and families.
“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,” Facen said.
Expanding School Feeding Programme
At the centre of the organisation’s efforts is its flagship school feeding programme, which currently provides nutritious meals to approximately 600 vulnerable children every school day.
MRGI now plans to expand the initiative significantly, with a target of feeding between 1,800 and 2,000 learners every school day across underserved communities along the Coast.
According to the organisation, access to daily meals has become a crucial factor in keeping children in school and improving learning outcomes, particularly in informal settlements where many pupils depend on school meals as their only reliable source of nutrition.
Facen said the organisation’s commitment to school feeding was inspired by the reality that many children in impoverished communities attend school hungry.
“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,” he said.
MRGI is also planning to extend the programme to another underserved school with between 1,250 and 1,500 learners, although the expansion will depend on increased support from donors and partners.
Appeal for Partnerships
MRGI Executive Director Anna Seboru appealed to individuals, businesses and development organisations to partner with the charity in expanding its impact.
She noted that the growing demand for school feeding programmes requires sustained financial support if more children are to benefit.
“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,” Seboru said.
The organisation’s Treasurer Donald Harris said every contribution helps improve the lives of vulnerable children and strengthen communities.
“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,” Harris said.
Supporting Education Beyond Meals
Beyond providing meals, MRGI also supports children’s education through payment of school fees for vulnerable learners, improvement of school infrastructure and supplementation of teachers’ salaries in partner schools.
The organisation further runs health education programmes focusing on communicable diseases, reproductive health and life skills to equip young people with knowledge that enables them to make informed decisions.
Economic Empowerment for Women
Recognising that poverty cannot be addressed through education alone, MRGI has 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.
Since launching the initiative in 2022, the organisation says it has trained dozens of young women annually and has expanded this year’s programme to include additional beauty and cosmetology courses.
MRGI also supports school-based income-generating projects, including poultry and dairy farming, aimed at strengthening sustainability within communities.
Facen urged corporate organisations, philanthropists and development partners to support the organisation through donations and strategic partnerships to enable more children to access quality education and nutritious meals.
“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,” he said.
Founded in March 2001, Mombasa Relief Global Initiative is a US-registered non-profit organisation working to improve the lives of vulnerable children and communities in Kenya’s Coast region through school feeding, education sponsorship, infrastructure development, health education and economic empowerment programmes.
