The Kiyaga Church of Christ in Uganda is home to a group of women who are actively taking the reins and steering their lives in a positive, successful direction. After participating in Women of Hope classes, they are not only reaching for an exit from poverty, but they are striving for achievements that will support families and find favor in the Lord’s eyes.
The women of Kiyaga arrived at HHI’s Christian Women’s Business Conference and Village Savings and Loan Association Training dressed in their finest, most colorful fabrics. They were all smiling, beaming with promise, ready to learn, ready to soak in opportunity, ready to try something new. They gave us their trust, and we shared business tools, ethics and savings models. Because of our generous donors, Women of Hope was able to give them access to revolving loans that have the unique effect of boosting many aspirations, one after the other, as they are faithfully repaid and paid forward.
These capable, smart women developed ideas for new businesses centered around dry food products, feminine care and hygiene, helping others as they help themselves. They represent a common culture amongst our Women of Hope participants: as they improve their individual lives, they insist on carrying each other.
Lillian Mununuzi attended the training and is happy to start saving for her children’s future. She confidently reports, “Through the knowledge and business skills I have received, I will be able to start [a] business … I also learned that having a business plan can … avoid other challenges.”
Another lady, Grace Kapaasika, decided to close her business operating a bar, and open a new one selling clothes. She says that she wants God to be happy with her efforts, and to be able to sustain her family and conduct a business that improves other families as well.
Jovia is a nurse in Kiyaga, working in a pharmacy. After the Women of Hope training, Jovia has the fortitude and fearlessness she will need to open her own pharmacy, using money she has been able to save.
Thank you for funding the Women of Hope Program of Healing Hands International, and for keeping dreams afloat for women around the world. They already have the intelligence, the gumption and the willpower to succeed. God knitted those characteristics into their very being. You have given them the means and the opportunity, and we pray that you see your reflection in their victory.
We stand continually amazed by God, who knows the ingredients of strength, and allows its flame to burn when it seems the oil is depleted. Join us in praying for the Proverbs 31 women of Kiyaga!