Peace Corps Prep Program

The FIU Peace Corps Prep Program has encouraged me to develop more intercultural competence, learn new languages, and take on leadership roles during my time at FIU. Of the 6 Peace Corps categories, the one I chose to pursue is Community Economic Development. This is why I took on the project with the Gihon Women's Empowerment center in Kitengela, Kenya.

 

The Gihon Women's Empowerment center is funded by volunteers and donations. Its objective is to empower and educate women who did not grow up with these opportunities. The leader of the center, Agnes, has a network of volunteers to provide education on mental health, safety, and small business skills.

 

There is also a children's school across the road run by the same women. When I first arrived, the children were being taught in an empty yard. The volunteer group I was with raised enough money to build a school and install toilets. Agnes also helps educate these children from a young age about topics that are not usually talked about in this culture such as menstrual cycles, sexual safety, and mental health. 

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As I noted on my "Projects" page, I continue to work with the women today and encouraging their economic growth by selling the jewelry they make here in the USA. This involves international business skills and income for the hard work the women do in the center. Mothers spend most of this money to pay for their school supplies and reinvestments back into the center.