Celebrating Economic Opportunity
Last month, over 500 members of the Oldeani community visited the Rift Valley Children’s Village to celebrate the 15th Annual REAP Day hosted by our Rifty Economic Advancement Program (REAP).
This event gives us the opportunity to recognize all the hard work and success of the 647 local entrepreneurs who make up REAP.
To give you a glimpse into how TCF is diversifying the local economy, we are thrilled to introduce you to just a few of our inspiring REAP members who helped make this day so special:
Coletha Aloyce is the chairperson of the Rift Valley Women's Group (RVWG). At the event, she organized a beautiful pop-up shop full of RVWG products and was recognized as a valued Community-Based Trainer. Thanks to REAP, Coletha has been able to successfully launch several businesses, including her own handicraft shop and farm.
Regina John, a REAP client since 2008, catered for the event. With a starting loan of $75 and foundational business training from REAP, Regina started making and selling mandazi (doughnuts) on the streets of Oldeani. Within a year, she took out her second loan to start renting space in order to open a full restaurant. Regina is now one of the most successful restaurateurs in all of Oldeani!
Rogert Edward operated the sound system and served as the event’s photographer. Through loans provided by REAP, Rogert runs multiple businesses on top of renting out sound equipment and photographing events. He is a videographer and editor, takes and prints passport photos, and runs a small, local movie theater. Rogert gets his inspiration and entrepreneurial spirit from his mother Coletha Aloyce!
Andrea John emceed the event, captivating the crowd with each word. Andrea is a true entrepreneur, always looking to take his work to the next level. Having operated a small farm for many years growing beans and maize, he recently secured a REAP loan to open a grocery shop where he could not only sell his produce, but other dry goods and household supplies.
Through REAP, we have created a supportive network of ambitious individuals who are creating a brighter future for themselves, their families, and the entire Oldeani community.
To celebrate the incredible advances made by empowering individuals in their professional pursuits, we have launched a campaign to raise $200,000 by September!
As a reminder, every dollar given towards the campaign will be MATCHED by our Board of Directors, allowing you to DOUBLE your impact today.
