Group of women and girls wearing matching pink dresses standing together in a room with shelves in the background.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Training women with the skills and support they need to build better futures.

Across Kenya, too many young women are forced to leave school without a clear way forward. For those young women, the road to independence is often uncertain. Finding work to support themselves and their families can feel out of reach.

Huru’s Skills Development Program changes that.

We provide hands-on training in tailoring and garment production, paired with foundational business education and life skills. But we don’t stop there. Graduates now also receive financial literacy training—and those ready to start businesses can access microloans, savings support, and tailored mentorship.

Women from our program leave equipped not just to work, but to thrive—on their own terms.

Women gain more than skills—they gain a path forward.

A teacher assisting students in a sewing classroom, with several students working on sewing machines and cutting fabric.

Over four months, trainees gain marketable skills in garment production through hands-on instruction tailored to Kenya’s growing textile sector.

In addition to technical training, participants learn about personal finance, entrepreneurship, and health—ensuring they graduate as well-rounded individuals ready to earn, save, and lead.

Woman sewing pink fabric using a sewing machine in a workshop with other women working in the background.

At the end of the program, participants are prepared to take the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) exam—a government-recognized certification that opens doors to formal employment, better wages, and safe, regulated working conditions.

“I’m so happy to be graduating as a professional tailor. I’m ready to start looking for work so I can support my family. Thank you so much for transforming my life.”
— SDP Graduate

NEW EXPANDED PROGRAM!

Now, the journey doesn’t end at graduation.

Five young girls in school uniforms standing in front of a colorful mural with hearts, flowers, and abstract patterns, smiling at the camera.

Every graduate receives financial literacy training, helping them budget, save, and manage their income with confidence.

Aspiring entrepreneurs can access tailored business support, including:

- Microloans to purchase sewing machines, materials, or rent a workspace

- Group lending programs that foster peer accountability and reduce risk

- Savings initiatives that build long-term financial resilience

Whether she chooses employment or self-employment, every graduate now walks away with more than skills—she walks away with a plan.

Through our expanded support, we now offer graduates the resources they need to build sustainable futures, no matter what path they choose.

Because skills matter—but support makes them sustainable.

Meet Our Current Class

This amazing group of young women have started our training program and will soon be ready to find higher-wage jobs or even start their own businesses.

The generosity of Barbara Albert’s Mending A Life effort has provided the opportunity for this class to step into a brighter future.

We’re excited to see them chase their dreams!

A group of women dressed in white shirts and casual pants standing in front of a black gate, posing for a photo outside a building. The women are smiling and have their hands on each other's shoulders. The caption below reads, "Barbara Albert's Mending A Life ~ Ortho Wives Class 2024-2025."

Hear From Our Graduates

Young woman in an orange top with a measuring tape around her neck cutting fabric with scissors, promoting sewing skills and progress in tailoring.
Smiling woman wearing a black and white headscarf and white shirt, standing in front of colorful artwork.
A young woman with dark skin, braided hair, wearing a red fluffy hat and a black sweatshirt with 'LOOKUP' logo, smiling, with a colorful art background.
A woman with braided hair smiling at the camera, wearing a black blazer over a white shirt that says 'blessed'. Background includes colorful artwork.
A young woman with long braided hair wearing a denim jacket and a white Adidas t-shirt, smiling softly against a colorful graffiti background.
Young woman with dark skin and braided hair wearing a red shirt, standing in front of a purple background with text overlay. The text is a quote praising her progress and self-reliance.

Past Classes

Past classes have been supported by Barbara Albert’s Mending A Life group and Signature Travel Network.

A group of women posing for a class photo in front of a purple and white striped wall, wearing purple aprons with measuring tapes around their necks. The photo is labeled 'Signature Group - Class 2019' at the bottom.
Group of women gathered indoors for Barbara Albert's Mending A Life - Merinoff Class 2021 event, with many wearing face masks, some sitting on the floor, some standing, in front of a purple and white striped wall with a circular logo that reads 'Turu
Group of women standing outdoors in a residential area, smiling, with a caption reading 'Barbara Albert's Mending A Life ~ Ortho Wives Class 2021'.
Group of women standing inside a classroom or workshop space, smiling at the camera. The setting appears to be an educational or community event, with some women wearing casual and traditional dress. The caption indicates it is part of Barbara Albert
Group of women standing outdoors in front of a metal gate, some wearing aprons or measuring tapes, smiling for the photo. The caption reads, "Barbara Albert's Mending A Life ~ Merinoff Class 2022."
Group of women smiling and dancing outdoors in a residential area, celebrating together, with sunlight and trees in the background.
Group of young women in white shirts and skirts posing outdoors in front of buildings, with a caption reading "Barbara Albert's Mending A Life ~ BFF Class 2023."
Group of smiling women and girls celebrating outdoors, raising their arms in joy, in front of a black gate and yellow building wall, with a green assembly point sign visible on the wall.
A group of women and girls posing outdoors with their arms raised, smiling and laughing. They are dressed casually, standing in front of a blue gate and building. The bottom caption reads 'Barbara Albert's Mending A Life ~ Ortho Wives Class 2023-2024
Group of smiling women and girls standing together outside, many with arms raised in celebration, wearing colorful casual clothing, with a banner at the bottom reading 'Barbara Albert's Mending A Life ~ BFF Class 2024'.
Group of women dressed in white shirts and skirts, some with measuring tapes around their necks, standing outdoors in front of a dark wall, smiling for a group photo. The caption reads: Skills Development Program - Rogers Class 2024.
Group of young girls in white school uniforms standing outdoors in front of a black gate, posing for a photo. The caption reads "Barbara Albert’s Mending A Life ~ Merinoff Class 2024."