Diversifying for a Sound Future: Aloyo Jennifer

Jennifer Aloyo came to Krochet Kids Uganda with a hard work ethic and a strong desire to improve her life. Before joining the program Jennifer recalls sitting in the sun from morning to evening breaking stones. By the end of the day, if business was good, she hoped to make ten thousand shillings (~$4 USD) selling rocks. Ask Jennifer how her life has changed since joining KK Uganda and she'll tell you, "I am better now and looking at how my life has changed amazes me. I have been able to mold my life again, and the laughter I share with my fellow women makes my day bright." She also would speak of a strengthened faith that has been spurred on by her co-workers as well. What's truly amazing though is how quickly Jennifer is beginning to pursue other opportunities to diversify her income and further support her family, both now and in the future. Through the education she is receiving from KKU mentors on budgeting and IGAs (Income Generating Activities) she is actively re-writing her future. Through her savings she has been able to start a small business buying and selling gravel from the quarry, as well as purchase four cattle. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "...the laughter I share with my fellow women makes my day bright." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Yet she is not stopping there. She is already planning for future business opportunities. She says, "I plan to save and intend to put money in the KKU SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative) to enable me to acquire a loan and buy a motor cycle by the end of this year for operating a boda boda business around Gulu town." Jennifer serves as a representation of what many women are doing at Krochet Kids Uganda to re-write the futures. And she is a living testament to how buying a hat, changes a life. ** This report was gathered by Jennifer’s mentor Susan during a home visit. The KKU mentors each have 20 beneficiaries that they invest in and follow up with regularly. They do home visits to ladies’ homes every week to track and monitor their progress. **