Mombasa school empowers mums with financial skills on Mother's Day
The session was described by many as a game-changer, offering guidance that had previously felt distant and inaccessible.
What began as a typical Mother’s Day gathering turned into a transformative moment for dozens of parents at Maya Tots Academy in VOK, Nyali Sub-county, as the school ditched flowers and performances for financial empowerment and parenting support.
In place of the usual song-and-dance entertainment, the school organised a hands-on workshop aimed at equipping mothers with practical knowledge on how to access a range of financial support programmes available to women, youth, and small-scale entrepreneurs.
The session was described by many as a game-changer, offering guidance that had previously felt distant and inaccessible.
“I have been running a boutique for years, but never knew how to get the right information about funding. Now I feel seen and supported,” said Habiba Idris, a parent at the school.
The training brought together dozens of mothers eager to learn how to apply for government-backed funds such as the Women Enterprise Fund, Youth Fund, Hustler Fund, Uwezo Fund, and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
The workshop was facilitated by Salama Ismael, the Chairperson of the Uwezo Fund in Nyali Constituency, who guided participants through the eligibility criteria, application processes, and the documentation required for each type of funding.
Teachers and some parents posing for a photo after the function in the school compound of the Maya Tots Academy in VOK, Nyali Sub-county, Mombasa County. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
She also gave tips on forming self-help groups to unlock larger funding packages, managing loans, and maintaining financial discipline.
“These funds exist but are underutilised because many women don’t know how to access them or feel overwhelmed by the process. We are not only honouring mothers but also equipping them with tools to become financially independent,” Salama said.
She emphasised the importance of financial planning and discipline, as well as the value of working in groups for greater financial strength. “I always say when you empower a woman, you empower an entire generation,” she added.
Another parent, Fatuma Hassan, welcomed the initiative and praised the school for putting mothers’ needs at the centre of the celebration.
“Many of us are struggling because we simply don’t know what opportunities exist. When a school takes this step, it shows they care not only about our children’s education, but also about our well-being as parents,” she said.
For the school’s director, Mariam Juma, the initiative was deeply personal. She said the idea was inspired by her own experience navigating financial empowerment programmes.
“After going through the process myself, I realised how difficult it was to access the right information from the right people. This is my way of giving back by sharing these opportunities with other women in our community,” she said.
Mariam noted that many mothers have the potential to run successful businesses but are held back by a lack of access to accurate and timely information. “By giving them this knowledge, we are not only empowering them but also strengthening the economic fabric of our school and the wider community,” she added.
Parents listening to financial literacy talks at the Maya Tots Academy in VOK, Nyali Sub-county, Mombasa County. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
She said the school deliberately chose to break away from conventional celebrations to address a more pressing need within the community.
“Entertainment has its place, but our community needs more. These women are the backbone of households. By equipping them with practical tools, we are investing in their stability and the future of their children,” said Mariam.
Beyond financial empowerment, the workshop also tackled parenting and child protection. Mothers were taught how to communicate effectively with their children, educate them on personal boundaries, and detect early signs of abuse.
Facilitators urged parents to teach their children that their private parts are not to be touched by anyone and to remain alert to any behavioural changes that could point to abuse.
“We are not just offering financial knowledge, we are empowering the whole woman. A financially stable and informed mother is better equipped to protect, nurture, and educate her children,” Mariam noted.
The event concluded with the symbolic cutting of a cake marking the beginning of what many hope will be a long-term empowerment journey. Mariam revealed plans to establish a mentorship group within the school to ensure the knowledge shared continues to be built upon.
“This is just the beginning. When a mother is empowered, the entire household benefits and by extension, the entire community,” She said.
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