In rural western Kenya, hundreds of women and children have been deeply affected by the long-term impacts of HIV/AIDS, poverty, and limited access to education. ADRA has been walking alongside the Nyalgunga community for many years — and today, a new chapter of transformation is unfolding.

The WISER (Women Initiative Supporting Education and Economic Resilience) Project is building on past achievements and introducing a bold, holistic approach that strengthens women’s livelihoods and expands educational opportunities for children.

A New Centre of Excellence for Women

With donor support, ADRA is constructing the Nyalgunga Centre of Excellence, a dedicated hub where widows, teen mothers, and vulnerable women can build practical skills, grow their incomes, and support their families with dignity.

The Centre will house three socially responsible and community-led enterprises:

1. Maize and Farm produce Aggregation Centre
   Women farmers will bring their maize for drying, cleaning, storage and bulking, enabling them to negotiate fairer prices and reduce post-harvest losses.
2. Community Bakery
   A small bakery will produce mandazi and buns for local schools and households, providing daily income and nutrition support for local children.
3. Soap (Dishwashing Liquid) Production
   This low-skill, low-cost enterprise helps women launch a sustainable household product business that meets constant community demand.

The women’s social enterprises will not only strengthen their household incomes, but will also contribute directly to sustaining the operation of the Pam Clifford Academy, creating a locally driven model where women’s economic empowerment and children’s education support one another for long-term impact.

Expanding Education: A New School Building for Growing Young Learners

The Pam Clifford Junior Academy — the early childhood centre supported through the project — has already moved into a newly constructed school building funded by the project. However, as children progress and transition into Year 1 and beyond, the school now requires an additional 3-classroom building to accommodate the growing number of learners and ensure continuity of quality education.

To give children a better start to life, ADRA will construct one new school building with 3 fully equipped classrooms to accommodate children transitioning into Year 1 and beyond, and a dedicated dining hall so children can eat safely, comfortably, and hygienically every day.

Alongside school expansion and enterprise development, the WISER Project equips women to:

– Build strong governance within their self-help groups
– Strengthen entrepreneurship and improve household income
– Access Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) for loans and financial independence
– Learn improved farming practices and climate-resilient agriculture
– Improve family nutrition and food security

Women who once struggled to meet daily needs are now becoming community leaders, business owners, and active contributors to their children’s futures.

Increasing Livelihood Opportunities – How is ADRA helping?

Kenya is one of many countries where ADRA is helping to improve income opportunities for families and individuals, helping to lift them out of poverty.

We have ongoing livelihood projects that have been developed in collaboration with trusted partners and communities to build more sustainable lives which in turn creates food security and keeps children in school. Examples of ADRA livelihoods project activities include:

• Training on effective planting and harvesting techniques
• Animal rearing training
• Business opportunities for people with disabilities
• Educating farmers on the safe use of pesticides
• Introducing new seed varieties and climate-resilient crops
• Increased access to markets
• Village savings and loans associations, Women’s Self-Help group
• Improved diet and nutrition from new crops