Microfinance & Empowerment Programs In Gulu

Gulu, October 5th, 2014

While I have shared many stories with you, I am hoping you will indulge me one more time. On Sunday, we set out for the markets in the morning to avoid the impending rain storms. We met a group of women, Betty, Carcelina, Vicki and Beatrice. There was one member of the group not present. 

We sat in a little room, dirt floor, crumbling brick and introduced ourselves. Then I began learning about their lives, businesses and plans for the future. They have been in our program for over 2 years, received 4 loans and have built viable and interesting businesses: a restaurant, a drug shop, and selling produce in the market. They are all successful, support each other in many ways. 

Vicki had the opportunity to purchase the building where her restaurant was located. The group took out a larger than average loan, $500, Vicki used her saving to make up the difference. The group members put the entire amount towards helping Vicki buy her building; she was able to repay the full amount on time, serving over 150 customers per day, and is in control of her space and business! 

Every month the women also collectively save funds to be used for each member alternatively; helping to purchase a personal or business item. When Betty, the chairperson of the group showed me a piece of corrugated metal in the corner of their share storage space, she told me it was for Carcelina. The savings from last month enabled Carcelina to purchase the metal piece for the roof in her home. This is a huge development for her health and wellbeing. With the collective effort of the group, members are improving their group and individual livelihoods. 

One more impressive detail, Beatrice, owner of the drug shoppe, sells birth control and other items for women's reproductive health; she is proud to counsel and provide low cost birth control without a doctors note. This was impressive and most needed. 

Visiting with these inspiring women made my heart sing...it is a privilege to do this work. I hope you are inspired and will continue to support WGEF. 

Thank you! 
karen