Empowering Change for Orphans & Widows in Kenya
Empowering Change: Caroline’s Journey from Hardship to Entrepreneurship
by GO! Kenya Team
Caroline Nkirote’s Six Children
In a remarkable story of resilience and transformation, the impact of compassionate intervention and strategic financial planning has reshaped the life of one Kenyan mother. During GO! Kenya Director Isaiah Kimani’s visit to Meru to launch the Meru Care Centre, he met Caroline Nkirote, a widowed mother of young triplets and several older children. Caroline faced overwhelming financial struggles, doing everything in her power to provide for her family under extremely difficult circumstances.
Recognizing her dire need, Isaiah extended personal financial aid and immediately sought additional assistance from Global Orphan Relief. In response, Caroline began receiving monthly support of $185, a much-needed relief to help sustain her family. However, she was advised to manage the funds prudently, as the support was not guaranteed indefinitely. Isaiah encouraged her to divide the money—using part for essential expenses like food and school fees, while setting aside a portion for unforeseen needs.
Over the months, Caroline’s financial situation steadily improved. Under Isaiah’s guidance, she successfully saved more than $2,000 while still meeting her family’s daily needs. With a focus on long-term sustainability, Isaiah encouraged her to explore a business venture that would secure her family’s financial future. Given her background as a trained hair stylist, Caroline saw an opportunity to turn her skills into a livelihood.
Product For Sale at the Salon
Around this time, a friend relocating to the Middle East needed to sell her salon business. Seeing this as the perfect chance for Caroline to establish her independence, Isaiah facilitated a formal agreement for her to purchase the business. With assistance from witnesses and the local chief, Caroline acquired the salon’s equipment, lease, and six months of prepaid rent for approximately $700.
With this strategic investment, Caroline stepped into entrepreneurship. Now, as a business owner with one employee, she earns up to Kshs 3,500 (or $27 USD) on successful days. This income enables her to comfortably provide for her family, pay her employee, and sustain her growing business. Through determination, careful financial planning, and the right support, Caroline has transitioned from financial instability and dependence to self-reliance.
Today, Caroline’s journey stands as a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of thoughtful aid and personal perseverance. She no longer requires ongoing financial support and has embraced a new, independent chapter of her life—one where she not only supports her family but also contributes to her community’s economic growth. Caroline’s story is an inspiring reminder of how empowerment and opportunity can transform lives, proving that with the right support, sustainable change is within reach.
Please note that Pastoral care is provided to these families as our partners demonstrate the Gospel through your kind support.
We thank our GO! Kenya Team for their efforts to provide for the needs of Orphans & Widows in their community. We have served with this team, specifically GO! Kenya Director Isaiah Kimani, since 2021.
Support is needed for additional families. This aid and method of distribution allow for families to stay together, and for communities to be strengthened by maintaining strong family units.
Global Orphan Relief (GO!) has been serving orphaned children since 2005, and as a result of this effort, widows, families, and entire communities are transformed through our Home-based Care initiative. The care provided creates a ripple effect through the entire community as we demonstrate God’s love for His people.
You may send support or other correspondence to Global Orphan Relief, 16352 Prairie Farm Cir, Parker, CO 80134 or you may give also give electronically at Home-Based Care for this specific effort to support widow-led households or you may give on this website at the upper right hand corner under ‘Donate’ by choosing Home-based Care under the Fund designation.
Movement of FAITH | Voice of HOPE | Act of LOVE
Global Orphan Relief is a Christian relief agency serving Orphans in need and a recognized U.S. public charity, tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3). All donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.