Our first week in Uganda has been filled with business training, radiant people, and lots of potatoes. The first couple days were spent getting acquainted with Ammabel (Empowering Nation’s Local Area Director), Brian and their four boys (Effie, Keith, Jethro and Ahriel). We have been blown away by their love and hospitality.
On Tuesday and Wednesday we visited the six micro-entrepreneurs’ businesses from last summer. It was an honor and a blessing to be able to sit down with each of them, have inspiring conversations about their lives, and hear feedback on each of their businesses. We were encouraged by the successes of their businesses–specifically Daisy, who sells produce and charcoal from a stand she built outside of her home. Not only is she far ahead of her loan repayment plan, she used the profits from her business to start making and selling bricks, which have been very profitable. When we met with the other five women, we listened deeply to their feedback (both their successes and problems), and then brainstormed about some small improvements to help benefit them. We hope
that they will all remain in business and pay off their loans within the 2-year projected time period.
On Thursday, we held the first business training session with the 30 women who are members of the Empowering Nations programs. Some topics we covered included, Business and the Bible, Writing a business plan, Finances/budgeting and Long term principles. The women were very engaged and joyful. Each woman made a business plan which she is planning to revise and submit to be reviewed by the IGNITE loan manager. God has clearly been working in this organization, and we are humbled to be a small part of the amazing women’s lives. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel to Kumi and Jinja.
June 19, 2016
