admin

“I Never Saw Myself as a Teacher — But Dandelion Saw Me”

I first met Dandelion Africa when Wendo visited our community. At the time, many of us women were doing what we knew best to survive — small businesses, beadwork, casual jobs — but we had very limited access to money. When emergencies came, we struggled.

Wendo gathered us together and helped us form groups. That’s when she introduced us to something new: table banking.

Before that, we only had merry-go-rounds. We would each contribute money every month, but you had to wait your turn to receive the lump sum. Sometimes that meant waiting almost a year. It wasn’t reliable. If your child got sick or school fees were needed urgently, you had no access to funds. You simply had to wait.

Table banking changed everything.

With table banking, we contribute and can borrow instantly. You don’t have to wait months for your turn. If you need money, you take a loan and repay it in small, manageable amounts. It is simple, practical, and lifesaving. So many of us have been able to respond to emergencies, start small businesses, and stabilize our homes because of it.

I Never Saw Myself as a Teacher

Beadwork has always been part of my life. A neighbor who used to sell beads in Nakuru taught me the skill years ago. I would make my beadwork and bring it to our meetings, not thinking much about it — it was just something I loved to do.

One day, Wendo noticed.

She asked me if I could train other women.

I was surprised. I had never seen myself as a teacher. But Dandelion saw something in me that I had not seen in myself.

They gave me a group of ten women in Nakuru, and I began teaching them beadwork. Today, those women can earn money from home. They can support their families without leaving their children behind. Watching them grow in confidence and skill has been one of my greatest joys.

Dandelion did not just empower me financially — they empowered me to empower others.

Becoming a Community Health Promoter

I am also a Community Health Promoter.

Before Dandelion came, many homes in our area did not have toilets. Hygiene practices were poor. People did not understand the importance of sanitation, and diseases were common.

After training, we began educating households. Slowly, things changed.

Now, families build and use toilets. People wash their hands. Homes are cleaner. Children are healthier.

We also speak openly about gender-based violence (GBV) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Before, these issues were handled in silence. Survivors suffered quietly. Today, more people seek help at hospitals and report cases. There is awareness. There is courage. There is hope.

A Mother’s Pride

My daughter is also working here, and I am so impressed. When I look at her, I see growth. She looks healthy, confident, and even stronger — she has added weight, and I know it is because she is well. I am happy to see her gaining knowledge and experience through Dandelion.

As a mother, that makes me proud.”

Everlyne Kigen