Back to Work—and Back to Blogging
- Eric Smaling
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
It has been a little over two months since my last blog. I could claim I was carefully gathering inspiration, but the truth is much less romantic: it has simply been a very busy period. Fortunately, being too busy usually means that good things are happening. So, before another two months slip by, here is an update from our corner of the Kenyan coast.
At our Kenya Coast-based foundation, Rare Vrienden, vocational training continues to prove that practical skills can transform lives. Throughout 2025, several groups of 20 young women completed intensive training in painting, tiling, and the fabrication of sliding windows. Many have since secured employment or freelance assignments, while others have joined forces to establish their own company, GalFundi.
What makes this initiative especially rewarding is its cost-effectiveness. A complete six- to eight-week course—including professional coaching—costs approximately €2,500. That translates to just €125 per participant for an opportunity to gain marketable skills, earn an income, and build a more independent future.
We are now preparing for the next round of vocational courses in carpentry, painting, and decoration. This new phase will be co-funded by the Dutch foundation Wilde Ganzen, a partnership that means a great deal to me personally. Wilde Ganzen was founded in 1957—the same year I was born—and has been one of the Netherlands' most respected development organizations throughout my lifetime. It is a privilege to see our work supported by an organization that has inspired international solidarity for generations.
The second half of 2026 promises to be a busy and exciting one at the Kilifi training compound led by our local manager, Jonathan Mativo. Together, we hope to equip another 60 young women with practical skills that open doors to employment, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.
Yet the impact goes far beyond income. Again and again, our graduates tell us that the greatest reward is the confidence they have gained. They speak of the pride that comes with mastering a trade and the respect they now receive within their families and communities. That sense of dignity and empowerment is perhaps the most meaningful result of all—and it reminds us why this work matters.
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