The Economic Upliftment Project is about empowering women in the rural centres. This project consists of 15 Women groups established in the rural Centres which are managed by the Mission.
Behind closed doors, we use charcoal stove (jiko) to cook and also to keep warm during cold weathers. Studies conducted by World health organization in 2012 show that 4.3 million people die each year from exposure to indoor air pollution caused by cooking in open fires or rudimentary stoves in poorly ventilated rooms. In order to combat with this problem, Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya introduced the Jiko Bora Project in the year 2018.
The main objective of this project is to promote a healthy lifestyle and also to promote an economical and efficient way of cooking.
The cost of one Jiko is Kshs. 3,600/-. Most Women from the rural area cannot afford to pay this amount due to financial constraints. The Mission has eased their worry by providing them with these jiko’s in form of interest free loans which members can clear in a span of 3 months. A total of 23 Jiko’s were disbursed in 3 centres namely: Burani, Mackinnon and Shimoni in the month of November 2018.
BENEFITS OF THE MODERNIZED STOVE (JIKO)
- The jiko uses upto 50% less Charcoal compared to a normal jiko thus reducing burden on families who have to buy it at an expensive rate. This translates to an annual savings of over Kshs 20,000/- a year for the average person in Kenya.
- A normal jiko uses 300g of charcoal whereas the modernized jiko uses as little as 120g.
- A normal jiko takes 25 minutes to cook and the modernized jiko takes only 15 minutes.
- The modernized jiko reduces smoke emissions from cooking thus decreasing ailments associated with household air pollution and improves wellbeing, especially for women and children.
- It is faster in lighting and the temperature is easier to control due to its simple and uncomplicated use.
“Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter” – Brian Solis
Comments by Beneficiaries:
“This project will assist members in changing their lifestyle for the better” –Mariga Sengeza, Burani Centre
“I am glad that the Mission introduced this project. I will use my jiko for my cooking business” – Oshe Ilambo, Mackinnon Centre
“This Jiko consumes less charcoal. This will encourage members to save and utilize the savings where the need is greater” – Mlongo Mwabingu, Mackinnon Centre
Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya would like to thank all those involved in making a smooth running of these activities.
For news of our activities, visit www.kenbilal.org
Nov 2018
Prepared by: Faraah Sumar