Women in Nyamata Share Stories of Impact

What a phenomal day! Today we returned to Nyamata, a women’s cooperative we have worked with for 2 years, to give out 15 microloans. They were provided by the Hollis/Brookline Rotary Club.

We also heard success stories from those who are now in their 5th cycle of receiving microloans (over 2 years) confirming our mission!

Before Seraphine received her first loan, she lived in a home that had no windows or doors. She made clothes using a sewing machine outside her home. After receiving her first microloan, she purchased an umbrella to cover her from the weather. Today she pays two rents for a better home and for her tailoring business. She pays her children’s school fees and she is able to feed the family.

Vestine continues to build new business opportunities. After selling tomatoes from 5am to 11am, she learned how to sew and she is now a tailor. She also has a machine that grinds cassava leaves that customers use in vegetable dishes.

Before Jacqueline received a microloan she did small jobs for other people but she never made enough money to buy food to eat. After receiving a microloan she bought capital to buy and sell bananas as well as banana juice. She also bought a bicycle to get to and from her work instead of walking. She has a long term goal to buy pigs and sell the babies.

These women are incredible role models. They say it wasn’t easy in the beginning but they disciplined themselves to pay back their loans and invested the money they made back into their businesses.

Today every member gives weekly to 2 group savings accounts as well as their personal savings.

We filled up the rest of our time with a devotional and puzzle activity. This year’s puzzle is of Psalms 46:5, “God is within her, she will not fall.” Each woman picked a puzzle piece that has a scripture on the back and shared it with the group. Then, they worked together on the puzzle.

Earlier in the day, we met with the children from the Nyamata Child Hope Center. They sang many songs for us, all in English. Then, our team read them a story about Jonah and the Whale with a coloring activity afterward. We wrapped up our children’s activity portion of the day with a snack and juice for all. All in all, it was a smooth day with plenty of God’s love to go around. He is always faithful.

Thank you for your comments and prayers!

-Jenn (Mutimukeye)