Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, a lot of people have lost their livelihoods and are struggling to sustain themselves and their families. For Benta Kasichana Kalugo, however, this pandemic has presented her with an economic opportunity that has seen her business thrive.

Benta has been making a living out of face mask production, as well as the production and supply of handwashing soap. She has successfully supplied handwashing soap to several households and Health centers within Vitengeni division.

She joined Moving The Goalposts (MTG) in 2008 as a football player where she acquired diverse skills in reproductive health management, first aid delivery and vocational and financial literacy skills. Her passion for tailoring saw MTG link her with industry experts that offered her apprenticeship opportunities. She later purchased a tailoring machine on her own where she perfected her sewing skills.

The 22-year-old mother from Mrima wa Ndege league field in Vitengeni, Kilifi County is the last-born in a family of 7 siblings. She is also the only one among her siblings to transition from primary to secondary school and thereafter, vocational training.

In 2018, MTG sponsored Benta to enroll for a 2 years course in electrical engineering. She is currently awaiting her final examination once the Covid-19 restrictions are eased and regular school programs resume.