Agnes Ganga Siria is a member of the first team to manufacture The Shoe That Grows at the Umoja Rubber Factory in Mombasa, Kenya. For Agnes, “This work helps me with money for use at home. If I get enough money I can open my business and I will advance myself.”

Agnes wants to pursue her dream of owning her own clothing boutique. She says, “With my business, I am free to look out for myself. For example, If I want to go with a certain product, I go and bring it. I am able to visit with my companion for advice so that my work can continue going forward.”

Owning her boutique will mean building financial capital, choosing her own business strategies and products, and having the flexibility to work the way she wants. Agnes is slowly saving up money to open her business. “I am gathering bit by bit until it is enough for me to open the boutique and I can further myself in that way,” she says.

In 2019, Because International placed its first shoe order with the Umoja as part of an initiative to produce the shoes and create jobs in the areas where the shoes are frequently distributed.

President Andrew Kroes shares, “One of the best ways to combat the causes of poverty is through the opportunity to work. A job provides the financial means to address poverty while also providing purpose and dignity. Manufacturing our products in the areas where they’re distributed most helps create these jobs.”

For every 10,000 pairs of The Shoe That Grows purchased for distributions, nine individuals like Agnes are employed for one year. Donate to The Shoe That Grows to provide more individuals like Agnes the opportunity to pursue their dreams.