From apprentice to entrepreneur
Before joining Solar Sister, I was jobless and helped my sister sell mangoes and vegetables at her kiosk as we idled with other women.”
Christine Ayieko, Solar Sister Entrepreneur, Mombassa, Kenya
Christine, a 38-year-old mother of two, experienced a remarkable transformation after joining the Solar Sister Apprentice Program. When she learned about the Apprenticeship Program, she wondered if she could do it since she had no formal education. Encouraged by her husband, she gave it a try.
Christine graduated as an apprentice on October 18th, 2023, and has since transitioned to a Solar Sister entrepreneur. She is one of our pioneer apprentice graduates, and her story is one of optimism and resilience, even during tough economic times.
The skills Christine developed during her training have enabled her to supplement her family’s income with that of her husband, who is a fuel attendant at a neighboring gas station.
The Solar Sister Apprentice Program gave me an opportunity to receive relevant business training. The skills acquired from the training have been very helpful, as I now know better to be disciplined and persistent and not give up even when my clients are not cooperating. I also ensure to keep my sales records and save towards supporting my family,” she explained.
The impact of Christine’s new role extends beyond business success; it has significantly improved her personal life and family dynamics.
“Together with my husband, we pay school fees for our 15-year-old daughter, who is in high school, and plan to take our 7-year-old son through school as well. I no longer spend time idling with other women while gossiping in the estate, and my current ability to bring food to the table has seen my marriage blossom. I am at a better place today with my family, whom I support, and grateful for this opportunity that Solar Sister offered,” Christine says.
For Christine, Solar Sister offers unique benefits:
“I mean, who in the world trains you for free, provides products to sell as an agent, gives you a certificate, and even gives you a free product to start up your business?”
Her gratitude extends to her supportive husband:
“Every day, I thank my husband for allowing me to do this! Life has never been better. I no longer ask my husband for money to buy basic things like sugar in our house.”
Her success story has inspired many in her community, where she is much admired.
My husband and family are proud of me, and I have motivated many people in my community to admire me. Most of them support me by buying my products,” she added
Christine is not resting on her laurels; she has bigger dreams for the future:
“My bigger goal is to diversify my business and add clothes for sale from my savings from the Solar Sister business.”