LifeWorks

HIV prevalence among East Africa's long distance truck drivers is at least double the national averages. Up to 80 percent of women in some trucking corridor communities, where unemployment reaches 70 percent, engage in sex work with truck drivers, police, and others out of economic desperation. This creates a "perfect storm" for driving the AIDS epidemic.

To address the poverty that fuels the HIV epidemic in these communities, LifeWorks is partnering with the business sector to create jobs for vulnerable women and older orphans in transport corridor communities. LifeWorks provides business assistance, access to capital, and appropriate business models. It is creating jobs in areas that include light manufacturing, home furnishings and fashion accessories, agribusiness, and information and communication technologies.

Current LifeWorks Businesses

• Shukrani LifeWorks Ltd, a for-profit company in Mariakani, Kenya, produces home and fashion accessories in factory space donated by Mabati Rolling Mills. Employing forty vulnerable women and older orphans, Shukrani makes products that are sold in upscale East Africa tourist hotels as well as in two high-end retail sites in New York City. The company is managed by private sector experts in textile and business development.
  
  
• A mushroom growing company in Busia, Kenya, employs volunteer HIV caregivers, allowing them to continue their volunteer work while earning income. In 2008, up to 180 caregivers will begin selling their produce to local outlets. The operation is managed by a Peace Corps Volunteer with business experience and a mushroom production expert. Mumias Sugar Co. provides sugarcane residue used as a substrate to grow the mushrooms. 
  
  
• A small factory in Mlolongo, Kenya, is being constructed by General Motors and Unilever volunteers. The factory will employ low-income women and older orphans to manufacture product components for collaborating companies. TransAmi transport has donated a container to store the components.
  
  
• Three Rwandan manufacturing cooperatives are being formed to produce baskets through an outsourcing contract with a Rwandese company for sale to Macy's department stores in the US.
  
  
• Manufacturing cooperatives are being established in Burundi for local women entrepreneurs to produce baskets and other local crafts.
  
  
• A silk-producing cooperative is being set up in Ethiopia.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Donations of time, business expertise, and goods from the local and international business community are key to LifeWorks' success. The LifeWorks advisory council of regional business leaders is co-chaired by the Managing Directors of General Motors East Africa and Unilever Kenya Limited. In addition, General Motors has signed a global development alliance valued at nearly $250,000 to provide pro bono business expertise in marketing, accounting, supplies management, inventory control and human resources to Lifeworks companies. A similar agreement is being negotiated with Unilever and USAID. LifeWorks also receives pro bono legal advice from a Kenyan firm as part of its social responsibility agenda.

How Can You Help?

Contact us if you or your company is interested in partnering with a LifeWorks business.