By Abiye Hector-Goma | Project Coordinator
Wakirike Development Coalition is delighted to share with GlobalGiving our third report on the progress with our Support for 50 Rural Wakirike Women Entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
One of the beneficiaries, B.G. shared her joy. “I have always desired to be a distributor wholesale/ retail of carbonated drinks but have been hindered due to lack of finance, but since your support, my business has improved before my eyes and I am confident it will only get better. You have thought me how to be diligent in book keeping and prudent to be able to track sales and expenses. I have one person in my employment and even pay myself a monthly stipend. With the use of a business plan I am convinced I will achieve my target which is to become a merchant in the neighbourhood. I am gradually overcoming the anxiety on how to support my household and my children’s education”.
All the other beneficiaries shared similar experiences on how they are steadily growing their businesses.
Another interesting move is the spirit of healthy competition the funds have brought to see that the beneficiaries transform into entrepreneurs. The local NGO (Support for MANKIND Development Initiative) which is coordinating the scheme has provided the cooperative group with training on effective petty business skills and savings. Of significance is the eagerness of beneficiaries to support other vulnerable women in the community. They have identified a single mother of three who is HIV positive and raised a start-up grant of N26,250 for petty trading from their small profits.
While we have good news from these nine women, we are still seeking support for more of the outstanding 41 women. We are also hoping to integrate preventative health care/civic education campaign for the benefit of the women. The enlightenment has become necessary because of emerging concerns of low self-esteem, illiteracy, ignorance and gender disparity. These issues are as chronic as the lack of capital and addressing them will further enhance the socio-economic status of our women.
We are grateful for your support as we remain focused on lifting our people out of poverty one family at a time.
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