At 56 years old, Mary Ngabirano is a proud grandmother of seven grandchildren. For the past 10 years, Mary has been part of a grandmother group that empowers women through a revolving fund, provided by International Women Empowerment and supported by Nyaka. When she was given UGX 200,000, Mary saw it as an opportunity to change her family’s life.
“I rented a room to sell soft drinks like soda and simple snacks like boiled eggs,” Mary recalls. “I also used some of the money to buy a goat to start my goat farming business.”
The goat not only helped jumpstart her business but also provided milk for her youngest grandchildren, who were left in her care at a very young age. With the profits from her business, Mary has been able to cover school fees for the children, ensuring they have access to education despite financial challenges.
“The support I received from Nyaka and International Women Empowerment has truly changed my life. I am now able to care for my grandchildren, provide them with education, and sustain my business,” Mary shares gratefully.
“I make about UGX 150,000 every two months as profit. I’ve been able to pay back the loans, and my family is now in a better place,” she adds with pride.
Thanks to the support from Nyaka and the revolving fund from International Women Empowerment Mary’s journey has been one of empowerment. She hopes to expand her business by setting up a bigger shop with more supplies, allowing her to make even more money.
Mary’s story is a proof to the power of community-driven programs and how small investments can create significant changes in the lives of women and their families.
“I am grateful to Nyaka for this support,” Mary says, as she continues to build a brighter future for her family.
