A year of entrepreneurship, community, and sustainable development in Cheboin
At Bergman & Beving, we are committed to helping the village of Cheboin in Kenya by partnering with Hand in Hand. Our ambition is to help start 175 businesses and create 228 jobs by 2026 - and we are well on our way.
Thanks to Bergman & Beving's support, Hand in Hand has been able to make a real difference in Cheboin Village over the past year. Through our partnership, residents have been empowered to organise themselves, build businesses, increase their economic security and develop sustainable farming practices. This is an update on our work over the past year - a year characterised by engagement, learning and hope for the future.
141 members – a journey just beginning
Over the past year, 141 people have been organized into eight self-help groups. Through training, these groups have developed strong leadership structures, effective record-keeping systems, and a well-defined group constitution that all members follow. As a result, group engagement and cohesion have improved significantly. The groups meet every two weeks, and members actively participate in various activities, including carousel saving, table banking, and community welfare initiatives.
Entrepreneurship training has led to 33 new businesses
So far, 33 businesses have been established, creating 33 jobs in sectors such as vegetable farming, poultry farming, open-air markets, and maize and bean cultivation. These businesses are gradually expanding, creating additional jobs. Hand in Hand continues to support members through ongoing monitoring to ensure the sustainability of their businesses and the jobs they create.
Hands-on learning at Cheboin Agroecological Demo Farm
Hand in Hand's agroecological demo farm in Cheboin has served as an important training hub for members, offering hands-on training in circular economy and regenerative agriculture. All members have been trained in these principles and have begun implementing sustainable practices such as organic farming, poultry keeping, agroforestry, composting, and crop diversification. The goal is to reduce soil, water, and air pollution while promoting long-term environmental sustainability.
As part of Hand in Hand's agroforestry training, tree seedlings were distributed to members for planting on their farms. This initiative is designed to improve carbon sequestration and mitigate the effects of climate change, further strengthening the commitment to sustainable development.
About Hand in Hand
Hand in Hand has been making big changes in the economy since 2003, helping start over five million businesses and creating over nine million jobs. They're checked by Svensk insamlingskontroll to make sure all donations are used properly.
For more information about Hand in Hand, please visit their website.