Esther, a Kenyan woman, has faced a lifetime of adversity. She has lost loved ones to conflict and illness, and has been forced to flee her home. Despite these hardships, Esther has remained a beacon of strength and resilience for her family. She has worked tirelessly to provide for them, even when faced with extreme poverty and danger.  

Displaced by conflict and forced to find a way to support her family, she began burning charcoal and collecting firewood to sell. The process can take up to two weeks; collecting the firewood, burning it into charcoal, and transporting it to the market. Travelling long distances exposes Esther to many risks. Robbers and bandits often roam the forest, threatening her safety and stealing her earnings of food or money.  

Despite these challenges, Esther remained determined to provide for her grandchildren. She sent her granddaughter to school, hoping that education would offer her a brighter future. One of Esther’s granddaughters has been participating in the TOGETHER Project’s workshops and life skills training. She has learned valuable skills and she tells her grandmother about it. She is excited about education and the opportunities it brings to create a better future for herself and her family.  

Esther’s journey has been long and trivial, but the hope of a future that her granddaughter might have, is what strengthens her to continue. The TOGETHER Project funded in part by the Government of Canada works to empower individuals in communities like Esther’s by providing educational workshops and life skills training. These programs equip participants with the knowledge and skills they need to improve their lives and support their families. Your support has given Esther’s granddaughter the opportunity to pursue a dream she never thought possible.