Journal

Kalevala Training Center: Five Years of Education and Empowerment

The Kalevala Training Center (KTC) is a vocational training center, funded by Kalevala Koru, providing education for vulnerable young women and girls in Kenya. Over the past five years, more than 600 young women have received vocational training at KTC. Empowering these young women also strengthens the entire community – Viola Wallenius and her team have been successfully working at the Kalevala Training Center in Makongen.

"For nearly 90 years, Kalevala Jewelry has stood for supporting those most in need. Since 2020, we have proudly funded the Kalevala Training Center in Kenya. In just five years, the center has empowered over 600 young women with vocational skills and the opportunity to shape their own future. We celebrate the incredible work of Viola and her team – and the determination and success of every young woman who has graduated from KTC" says Kirsi Paakkari, managing director of Kalevala Jewelry.

"The Kalevala Training Center has reached its five-year milestone. In that time, more than 600 young women have received training and the chance to build their own futures. We have had the privilege of witnessing their journeys up close: many who first came to the center feeling uncertain and without direction have graduated as skilled and confident professionals, entrepreneurs, and independent young women,” says Viola Wallenius, co-founder and board member of Home Street Home.

Kalevala Training Center: A Journey of Education and Empowerment – watch the video of this inspiring story!

"The road to education is still full of obstacles, and for many, KTC represents a unique opportunity to return to their studies after interruptions, or to begin formal education for the very first time. Financial difficulties, family responsibilities, and social pressures create barriers, but it is precisely in these situations that KTC’s significance stands out: it provides a safe space to grow, learn, and dream again", says Wallenius.

"The training center’s operations have found a steady and solid foundation, but our work is far from finished – development is ongoing. Our environment brings its own challenges, and that is why securing the basics continues to require effort. One important step was the recent drilling of a new borehole, which now ensures the center has a more reliable and sufficient water supply", Wallenius shares insights into daily life at KTC.

"Another significant step forward has been the launch of the Ubunifu Workshop, which we started a year and a half ago. Ubunifu is the organization’s creative workshop, where graduates of Kalevala Training Center’s tailoring program have the chance to find employment. Its purpose is to build a sustainable foundation for both the organization’s and the local community’s economic self-sufficiency. The workshop produces handmade items: clothing, accessories, and home décor. That does not only generate income for the organization but also promote sustainable development", she continues.

"We look to the coming months and years with great excitement. Recently, we have focused on further developing our curriculums, and as part of this, we began creating our own textbooks for each training field. We just finalized the tailoring coursebook, which we believe will open new ways for students to absorb theoretical knowledge. The book also supports lifelong learning: with its exercises, illustrations, and advanced sections, it serves graduates well into their professional lives", says Wallenius.

"The coursebook project and the Ubunifu Workshop together reflect KTC’s current stage. We are not only educating young women – we are building a future where women’s empowerment strengthens entire communities. When young women are given the chance to study, find employment, and believe in themselves, the impact extends far beyond the individual – to families, villages, and society as a whole. This work requires persistence, but its results will carry across generations" Viola Wallenius says.

"Women’s empowerment strengthens entire communities" – Viola Wallenius

Behind every success, there is a team

At the core of Kalevala Training Center’s success is a dedicated and compassionate team — our teachers, kitchen staff, cleaner, security guard, and administrator — who bring life to the center every day. Their commitment is not only seen in their work but felt in the warmth, care, and respect they show to every student who walks through our gates.

The philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because you are” — beautifully captures the spirit of our team. At Kalevala Training Center, we believe that we are defined by our compassion and kindness toward one another. Each role, no matter how small it may seem, is essential to our shared mission. We are interdependent, and our success is built on this sense of unity.

The Kalevala Training Center offers three training programs leading to a degree: IT, hairdressing, and seamstress training programs. At KTC, we do more than teach professions — we help young women build their dreams, strengthen their futures, and create new opportunities to thrive.

Like a real-life refresher course for everything I’ve learned

I had the wonderful opportunity to study at Kalevala Training Center, where I took the Computer Packages course. Little did I know that the knowledge I gained there would become such a vital part of my career as a journalist! The skills I learned at KTC have been a huge help in my day-to-day work. It’s almost like everything I learned in class was a refresher course that I now use every single day. I’m incredibly grateful for my time at KTC, and I can honestly say that the skills I picked up there have played a huge role in my success as a journalist.

It feels great to look back and see how far I’ve come, all thanks to the foundation KTC gave me.

— Marry Munyalo, KTC alumnae

The courage to chase my dream

"I joined the Tailoring and Dressmaking class at KTC to pursue my passion for fashion and gain the skills I needed to one day start my own brand.

At KTC, I learned the basics—drafting, fabric cutting, pattern making, and sewing—along with the importance of discipline, passion, and resilience in this craft.

Since graduating in September 2023, I’ve been working with my aunt, earning an income while handling clients' orders, including school uniforms and custom wear. I also recently joined the Ubunifu Workshop, where we create products together with other graduates from KTC. I'm truly grateful to KTC for equipping me with the knowledge and courage to chase my dream!"

— Ningala Masoud, KTC alumnae

I am holding my future on my hands

After my graduation at KTC I’ve been able to take meaningful steps forward. I’ve managed to buy materials and most of the necessary equipment and started my own mobile salon at home, and this itself is a huge accomplishment. Every little piece I've added has brought me closer to realizing my goals, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the skills I got at KTC.

I now wake up every day feeling more motivated and excited about the future because I know I am holding it on my hands.

— Bex Akoth Arek, KTC alumnae

78% of Kalevala Training Center graduates continue their studies, find employment, or start their own business.

The success of our students has inspired others

"What has been especially heartwarming is seeing how the success of our students has inspired others. Many young women and young mothers who previously felt lost or unsure about their future have found hope after seeing their peers thrive at KTC. The confidence, capabilities, and opportunities gained by our students have created a ripple effect in the community, motivating more girls to join the center.

I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who makes KTC the incredible place it is. May KTC continue to grow, thrive, and change lives for many years to come."

— Everline Agola Salon & Hairdressing main teacher

Education paves the way for girls’ and women’s rights

The Kalevala Training Center story in data

87% of our students come from low-income backgrounds.
96% of computer class students have never used a computer before.
25% of KTC students are mothers.
17% of KTC graduates have started their own business.
78% of KTC graduates are either continuing their studies, starting an internship, starting their own business, or finding a job after the course ends.
99% of KTC alumnae report that their self-confidence or independence has increased after graduating.

One-third of Kalevala Jewelry’s profit is annually donated to charity projects and the well-being of the employees

We have partnered for five years with Home Street Home, which runs the Kalevala Training Center in Makongeni, Kenya. Our goal is to help girls and young women build a brighter future through education. Discover Kalevala Training Center.

In Finland, we work with Rusetti ry, the national association for women with disabilities. With our support, Finland’s first vammaisettytöt.fi platform – by girls with disabilities, for girls with disabilities – has been created. We aim to increase the visibility of women and girls with disabilities. Read more about Kalevala x Disabled girls

We have supported the Finnish Cancer Foundation’s Pink Ribbon campaign since 2015. Thanks to our customers, we have already donated €357,000 to cancer research over the past ten years. See the 2025 Pink Ribbon jewelry and support cancer research.