Community Knowledge Worker (CKW) initiative

Thank you so much for your support! We are very thankful for the kindness and generosity you show. With your help, Grameen Foundation is continuing to improve the lives of farmers like Justine in Uganda with our Community Knowledge Worker (CKW) Project.

The youngest of nine children to a poor Ugandan farmer, Justine grew up understanding the value of knowledge and hard work. She watched her family struggle to get by and envisioned a better life – Justine wanted to excel and make a difference. While her father struggled to make ends meet, her mother knew the importance of education and supported her daughter through school. Justine was the first of her family to go to college, where she earned her teaching degree.

Soon a wife and mother of four, Justine faced the same hardships. Her husband taught at a local school and she tended their small farm and raised their young children. She made little income on her patches of coffee, bananas, and beans and her animals were often sick – the cows produced little milk and once a pregnant goat delivered kids that all died from disease.

Justine, however, was still driven by her dream of success and independence. Her cousin told her about Grameen Foundation’s Community Knowledge Worker (CKW) project and soon she was nominated by her community. Now with her smartphone and CKW training, Justine finally had access to the knowledge that would help her support her family. She could produce more crops and keep her animals healthy. Her cows, which used to produce 3 liters of milk each week, now produce 10 liters –more than 3 times as much milk!

As a CKW, Justine also serves her community. She visits 10 neighboring farmers every week to answer their questions about when to plant and harvest, how to keep their animals healthy, and what the best market prices are. Justine is a well-respected member of her village and loves that she can improved her own skills and better the lives of others. As she says, “Knowledge will help you all the days of your life.”

Thanks to your generosity, we have accomplished the following:

• Our CKWs have had more than 2.1 million interactions with farmers!
• Nearly 1,300 CKWs are currently helping farmers by providing tips on how best to care for their crops and livestock – which they depend on for both their food and their income.
• We’ve now reached 257,000 total farmers helped.
• Our CKW program has reached a total of 21,800 villages!

Thank you for helping Grameen Foundation truly make a difference where it matters most, engaging respected community members to improve their lives and the lives of those around them. We couldn't do our work without you!

Links:

• Watch a Video about Community Knowledge Workers
• Watch a recorded live video interview with a CKW
• Learn more on our website!