Joanna Maiden

SOKO Kenya

Fundraising for Africa Educational Trust
£3,880
raised of £50,000 target
Donations cannot currently be made to this page
Joanna Maiden's Fundraising Page, 22 January 2009
We provide education in conflict zones to help people realise a better future

Story

What is SOKO all about?
SOKO is all about making a difference.  It is a project that aims to provide a sustainable and creative long-term solution to Kenya's economic crisis by promoting community-driven, ethical and environmentally aware trade in fashion. 

How does it work?
SOKO is an eco-clothing production plant for the export market that creates fair employment and offers training and skills development for the local community in Ukunda, on the coast of Kenya.

SOKO reaches a large but localized group, focusing largely on women, who have been affected by the post-election crisis and loss of employment due to the well-documented tourist slump.

Whilst 30% of SOKO’s profits are re-invested into growth and expansion, a significant 70% is used to support community projects targeting local beneficiaries such as the Mama Centre, Ukunda Children’s Orphanage, Colobus Trust, Shikamana School and the Narcotics Anonymous Rehabilitation Centre.

What is the impact?
SOKO creates immediate impact by providing fair employment, decent wages and skills training to Ukunda’s poverty-stricken community, particularly its women.

SOKO has established a sustainable and green industry that supplies the high demand in Europe and North America for “ethical fashion”. This demand from designers and brands looking to produce in ethical and sustainable factories, especially in developing countries, is in direct response to shifting consumer attitude.

How does it help individuals?
"I never imagined earning such a salary. My parents are very proud of me and I am setting a good example to my children. I can give them a good education now, to high school as well. I have saved a lot of money and my friends think I am rich. I really enjoy my work and I am happy people in Europe are wearing the clothes that I am making.”
A tailor employed by the SOKO project.

SOKO Kenya is currently operating as a “restricted fund” project  under the Africa Educational Trust (AET) until registration for SOKO's charitable status is complete. All funds will be handled by AET as a pass-through mechanism. This agreement has been formalised via a Memorandum of Understanding signed by both parties.

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About the charity

Africa Educational Trust provides education to children and adults affected by conflict and poverty in Eastern Africa. Reaching over a quarter of a million people every year, we work to build better education systems and give learning opportunities to people who missed the chance to go to school.

Donation summary

Total raised
£3,880.00
+ £344.10 Gift Aid
Online donations
£1,280.00
Offline donations
£2,600.00

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