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Kenya Quilts For Empowerment
Welcome to Kenya
Quilts For Empowerment, a non-profit and non-political Community Based
Organization located in Luanda sub-county, Vihiga County, Kenya.
We work towards ensuring a life free from inequality and discrimination for every woman.
Stitching Dreams, Empowering Lives – Where Women and Girls Find Hope and Strength. Home.
Imagine arriving in Eldoret, Kenya, with a bag filled with quilting supplies and a heart full of hope. This is the story of Mary Ann, who in October 2015 embarked on a mission to empower obstetric fistula survivors through the art of quilting.
Partnering with the Fistula Foundation and the Gynocare Fistula Center, Mary Ann set out to teach these women not just the craft of quilting, but also the path to economic independence.
Mission
To provide services that promotes the total health and wellbeing of impoverished women, fistula survivors and young sexual assault survivors.
Vision
To strengthen, empower, and integrate women and girls with skills and self-confidence so as to build resilience and wellbeing for all.
Women's Program
Find out how KQFE keeps on transforming lifes of many women accross the country.
Meet the quilters
Their journey towards empowerment has been marked by perseverance and dedication. Prior to joining Kenya QFE, none of these women had ever wielded a hand sewing needle, except perhaps for basic mending.
Meet the girls
Welcome on a trip with us and meet the wonderful girls of Kenya Quilts For Empowerment, where every smile demonstrates the power of hope, resilience, and the transforming influence of love and support.
THE TEAM
Norah, hailing from Western Kenya, holds a Master’s degree in Counseling and is a dedicated high school educator. Her fervor lies in supporting vulnerable women and girls, particularly survivors of fistula and young assault victims.
Having experienced fistula herself, she deeply appreciates the significance of reintegrating into family and society.
Through self-taught expertise in hand embroidery and fabric assembly, Norah imparts these skills to fistula survivors, doubling as a beacon of empowerment for them. Moreover, she serves as a positive example, guiding them towards rebuilding self-assurance and dignity.
With her proficiency as a financial skills instructor, she also mentors women on financial management, savings, and entrepreneurship.
Despite her own inability to conceive, Norah warmly welcomes children into her home, earning the endearing title of “Aunty Norah” among our young survivors, offering them nurturing care and guidance. Her aspiration to pursue a PhD in Counseling Psychology reflects her commitment to enhancing her capabilities in assisting these vulnerable individuals.
Zedekiah Otolo, raised and spiritually nurtured within Trinity Fellowship, a Christian Youth Ministry situated in Maseno, Kenya, embarked on his professional journey after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Education.
Transitioning to a full-time role at Trinity Fellowship in 1991, his commitment to empowering fistula survivors was ignited by the poignant experience of witnessing a colleague’s struggle with the condition. This profound encounter motivated him to establish Kenya Quilts For Empowerment (QFE) and formally register it as a Community Based Organization in Kenya.
John, a retired school teacher from Western Kenya, played a key role in drafting the constitution for the Kenya Quilts for Empowerment Community Based Organization.
Serving as our Field Secretary, he oversees various responsibilities including facilitating women’s support group meetings, managing their registration for national health insurance, and offering continuous mentoring through home visits using his motorbike.
Dr. Christine, brings to our organization an extensive background in Guidance and Counseling spanning over 15 years, marked by her dedication to both teaching and research. Her clinical expertise particularly shines in her adept handling of trauma victims, including refugees in conflict zones, and women and girls subjected to gender-based violence such as rape and prostitution.
Dr. Opondo is a valuable asset, offering counseling services at the Major Government Teaching and Referral Hospital in Western Kenya while also serving as a faculty member at Maseno University.
Under her guidance, comprehensive evaluations of our girls have been conducted, leading to the formulation of tailored treatment plans that involve collaboration with their educators and caregivers. We express our profound appreciation for Dr. Opondo’s compassionate, professional, and attentive approach, which plays a pivotal role in facilitating the healing journey of our girls and ensuring their sustained well-being.
In collaboration with our Program Director, Norah Otondo, Dr. Opondo is actively engaged in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a pioneering after-school program aimed at supporting vulnerable girls within local schools.
This initiative is geared towards empowering girls to make informed decisions, mitigating the risks of sexual exploitation and unplanned pregnancy, and fostering educational continuity.
A youthful vibrant minister of the word of God,a steward of school ministry entrusted upon spiritual nourishment, discipleship and mentorship of teenage and youth.
Faithfuly shepherding 17 institutions, including technical institute,High schools and several primary schools.
Actively involved in church administration and institutional strengthening.
Looking forward to inspire young people to be diligent in every assignment given and persue it in a godly manner.
Passionate about praying for, and supporting the less fortunate,abled differently and those experiencing any form of abuse.
A joint venture with our partners
