IWD 2023: Q&A With SHElearns User Mireille
At RefuSHE, we believe that teaching digital skills to women and girls is imperative to furthering gender equality in Kenya and across the globe. In celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality,” we are sharing a special Q&A series with the staff and students behind RefuSHE’s digital learning programs! Join us for an exclusive look at our work from the women gaining (and teaching) the skills refugees need to thrive in the modern work world.
We are continuing our celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day theme by highlighting another one of our programs that empowers refugee girls and young women. The SHElearns platform officially launched in December 2022 and is a a digital learning and wellness platform designed by refugees, for refugees. We sat down with SHElearns user and former RefuSHE beneficiary Mireille to learn what the platform means to her!
Q: What is your name and age?
A: My name is Mireille and I am 30 years old.
Q: Tell us a bit about you. How long have you lived in Nairobi? Do you currently have a job?
A: I am a mother of two boys, and an entrepreneur originally from Rwanda. I have lived in Nairobi for 18 years.
I received help from RefuSHE who took me in for six years and participated in programs like the Artisan Collective, where I served as a student leader and volunteered in translation. Through help from RefuSHE, I managed to complete my education up to Form 4. Currently, I am pursuing a Diploma in Community Development and Social Work at the Kenya Institute of Development Studies (KIDS).
I am self-employed and run two businesses that entail making bags, blankets, and duvets using Ankara fabrics. I also sell peanut butter.
Last but not least, I serve as a community worker at Hope Worldwide Kenya as a facilitator for family matters.
Q: How did you learn about the SHElearns platform? Why did you want to enroll?
A: I learned about the SHElearns platform from RefuSHE’s Women’s Ambassador Group in Kivuli. I enrolled because I wanted to learn to help others.
Q: What is your favorite lesson or module so far?
A: My favorite module is the stress management lesson on mental health. Because I love working with the community by helping others, the stress management lesson provided information on how to help others cope with stress.
Q: Is there anything about the program that’s been challenging?
A: I have not had any problems while operating the program. It is easy to use as it is in both English and Kiswahili.
Q: What are you hoping to gain from using the platform?
A: From the platform, I hope to gain counseling skills that will go hand in hand with my career.
I hope to introduce as many people to the platform as possible to impact their lives with knowledge and mental health support.
Q: What are your plans for after you complete the lesson modules in SHElearns?
A: After I complete the lesson modules, I hope to apply the counseling skills I’ve gained in the community. I hope to work with other refugees who might need assistance.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: My dream job is to be a Community Worker working in the community to change people’s lives.
Q: Do you have a role model? If yes, why do you look up to them?
A: Anne Sweeney, RefuSHE’s founder, is my role model. I look up to her because she inspired me as she loved the young women of RefuSHE unconditionally. Anne Sweeney treated the young women with love, care, and concern. To date, she organizes meet-ups with young women whenever she visits Kenya. Her advice and dedication are what made me admire her. I aspire to have an organization like RefuSHE in the future to help my people.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
A: I love RefuSHE! They helped me at my lowest point and helped me gain confidence. They provided me with training and skills, and they will always be my family.