Joanna Maiden
SOKO Kenya
Fundraising for Africa Educational Trust
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.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. If you are a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Thank you for your support.
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.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. If you are a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Thank you for your support.