By Daniella May | Administration Manager
This program is continuing to go from strength to strength thanks to the support of our Global Captivating family. 288 foster families are currently in the program. These families either already have orphans or are preparing to adopt an orphan. Each of these families are receiving training on small business management and mentorship while establishing their small businesses and establishing their children in school. We hope you enjoy reading some of our highlight stories below.
Norah takes in another orphan
You may remember our October story about Johnathan who became an orphan when he was 2 years of age and lived in an orphanage – that is until Norah came along, giving Johnathan his FOREVER FAMILY.
[Above photo - Jessica is on the left with her black school bag, on her way to school.]
Norah is proud to introduce the newest member of her family – Jessica. Jessica recently became an orphan after her family hut burnt to the ground during the night. Both her parents and her brother were killed in the fire, leaving Jessica an orphan.
Because of the Captivating Foster Family Loans Program, in 2017 Norah was able to purchase a cow, feed her family and sell the excess milk. She has also grown her business to grow, harvest and sell maize, beans and carrots. Norah’s business is continuing to grow and her income is now able to support another orphan who needs help. Jessica now has her FOREVER FAMILY and is in grade 1 at school.
Thank you to all those who have given to this program. Your gift is continuing to give orphans a bright future.
2 orphans with a bright future – you’ll want to read this story
Regina’s parents passed away when she had just finished high-school, leaving her and her sister orphans. Although Regina lived in the slums she managed to find odd jobs to earn a little money. One day she was offered a job taking care of a 3 month old baby girl for a family. They needed someone to start work right away and so she welcomed the opportunity. Regina was earning regular money and her life started to turn around. She even had dreams of attending university. Things were going well for her.
One morning, the couple that she was working for went to distribute relief food to drought stricken areas. “I was asked to stay at the house to take care of their daughter Sally while they away for a few days”, explains Regina. Several days passed and there was no sign of Sally’s parents. Regina went to the police station to report missing persons. Another week went by and Regina and Sally were running out of food at home. “The landlord was demanding to be paid or we would be kicked out”.
Regina continues telling us her story. “One morning the police asked me to come down to the police station. I needed to identify some bodies. Nervously I went to the police station. I was told that a group of people had been kidnapped and killed by the Militia. The 20 minutes I spent in the morgue that day were the longest minutes of my life. We needed to use Sally’s DNA in order to identify her mother.”
“After the funeral, I tried to locate any of Sally’s family members, but to no avail. Sally had no one – I couldn’t leave her, so together we moved. I was introduced to the Foster Family Loans Program where I completed some budgeting and small business management training and have just started my small business where I sell groceries. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I am confident that I will be able to support myself and little Sally.”
Risper’s small business success
Risper has been part of the Foster Family Loans program for 2 years. She suffered a few setbacks but has worked hard and created her successful fruit business. Risper was able to pay off her final loan and now her business is self sustainable.
“Mangoes are in season now and I have just had a good harvest from my farm. I hope to continue making good profit selling my fruit,” Risper explains to Everlyne, our project manager. She also sells oranges and apples and other fruit that she can grow and harvest. Her children are still in school and enjoy fresh fruit everyday from their trees at home. Risper is proud that she can provide a good education for her children.
3 other women have left the Foster Family Loans program recently, not because they have defaulted on their loans or that they are not managing their small businesses well; but quite the opposite. These women have successfully repaid their loans and their businesses are self-sustainable. These women have provided homes for orphans and in the process have become successful business women.
Thank you to our family of supporters. Your gift is continuing to give bright futures for orphans in Kenya. Each donation of US$200 helps one more family build capacity to adopt an orphan, giving them a family and a future. And the best news, your US$200 gets repaid and then re-loaned to another family - and another family etc. A gift that keeps on giving.
Our thanks
Andrew Colquhoun
CEO CAPTIVATING INTERNATIONAL
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