Meet the team: Sylvia, Coordinator for Child Sponsorship and Sustainable Livelihoods.
Hi, my name is Sylvia Ambani. At ACLAD, I serve as the Coordinator for Child Sponsorship and Sustainable Livelihoods. In this role, I play a crucial part in supporting Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) through ACLAD’s child sponsorship programs. I ensure that directly sponsored households have access to essential needs and services. I facilitate access to the these essential services: school fees, scholastics materials, nutrition, psychosocial support, shelter, livelihood support, health, water and sanitation, vocational training, coaching, leadership and career mentoring to enhance the overall well-being of OVCs.
Beyond direct support, the organization partners with community based organizations in Kakamega, Kajiado and Kilifi counties where I mobilize, recruit, and actively engage with community-based groups to empower OVC households through income-generating activities such as poultry, pig, goat, and rabbit farming. I also provide skills training in areas like soap making and promote knowledge-sharing initiatives in conservation agriculture, African leafy vegetable farming, and health and sanitation for disease prevention. Additionally, I support the formation and strengthening of Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC), equipping families with financial management skills, access to small loans, and opportunities to invest in their livelihoods. These efforts foster economic independence and resilience, enabling families to build sustainable sources of income.
Furthermore, I work to enhance life skills through Chagua Maisha and Stepping Stones programs and livelihood capacities among young people in schools, churches, and communities. I train the young people on self-reliance and economic independence by introducing low-capital initiatives such as African leafy vegetable farming, helping them generate income. My efforts not only improve individual livelihoods but also contribute to the broader community’s development and resilience.
By Sylvia Ambani.
Coordinator, Child Sponsorship and Sustainable Livelihoods