Africa is no stranger to pandemics. Tragedy and necessity have taught us to take action quickly and forcefully. Today, in Kenya, it is illegal to leave the house without wearing a mask. At the same time, to say masks are in \u201cshort supply\u201d is such an understatement, it\u2019s almost funny. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is abundant in Kenya, however, is ingenuity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, let\u2019s talk ingenuity. A few weeks ago, I was thinking about the mask situation. Suddenly, I realized NTS has a tailoring program! Masks \u2026 sewing\u2026 why not create a mask-making business for our tailoring students???<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only are our students are stuck at home with nothing but time on their hands, but their families are struggling. Most of their parents, if they still have jobs, are low-skilled day laborers, working in markets and factories, earning barely enough for daily survival. So, giving our students a way to earn money at home by making masks provides them with extra income to support their family, an opportunity to practice their skills while schools remain closed, and keeps them safe at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the last few weeks, I\u2019ve been working with my team to launch the NTS Mask Making Initiative. It\u2019s been a highly creative exercise in strategy and public health as we\u2019ve worked through everything from finding a pattern that can be easily hand stitched (no one has a sewing machine at home), to organizing safe delivery to each student, and preventing virus spread both when fabric is delivered and masks are returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a condensed overview of what we\u2019ve accomplished:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We have not made any money yet, but with Covid-19 looming in our long-term future, the next step is to scale up into a real business. We are exploring the possibility of becoming a government supplier. The Kenyan government has begun contracting with small businesses and we are exploring how to join the roster. I\u2019ll keep you posted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We welcome your ideas! Comment below or drop us a line at info@nyamboyotechnical.org<\/p>\n\n\n\n p.s. We have another innovation in the pipeline. To be unveiled soon\u2026 Watch this space!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Africa is no stranger to pandemics. Tragedy and necessity have taught us to take action quickly and forcefully. Today, in Kenya, it is illegal to leave the house without wearing a mask. At the same time, to say masks are in \u201cshort supply\u201d is such an understatement, it\u2019s almost funny. What is abundant in Kenya, […]<\/p>\n Read More