Our Family Strengthening Project (FSP) supports vulnerable families in Baringo, most of them led by women, to build stable livelihoods, protect their children, independently. This year we measured what that support has achieved. A survey of 24 families who have graduated from our FSP program found exactly what our project aims for, every family has progressed from survival to independence.

Income that lasts

Every single exited family reported that their household income had increased since joining the FSP, and all of them said the increase was more than 30%. Nearly 8 in 10 now earn their main income from their own businesses, instead of unpredictable casual work. More than 90% save over a fifth of what they earn, and every family told us they can now meet their basic needs including food, rent and school fees.

Zero school dropouts

Among the exited families, 46 primary school children are still enrolled in school after their families graduated, something these families weren’t able to sustain before. A further 18 secondary-aged children are continuing their education rather than leaving school to work, with So They Can providing top-up secondary scholarship support. No child has dropped out of school since their family graduated.

Confidence that ripples outward

The change goes beyond money. Every exited family said their confidence in managing money and making decisions had improved significantly, and more than 9 in 10 women now lead major financial decisions in their homes. Importantly everyone has shared the skills they gained with others in their community.

Hope for the future

Every graduate family described their well-being as “much better” than before joining the program, and all feel hopeful about their financial future. They are clear about the challenges that remain – the high cost of living, market access, and the need for more capital to grow, but with the skills they gained over the 3-years with our FSP program, they feel better equipped to face those challenges.

This is what a strengthened family looks like. 31 families are being supported through So They Can’s FSP this year, collectively 149 children can stay in school. If you want to help more families move from surviving to thriving Sponsor a family or donate today.