Odette is a member of Urumuru Self Help Group which started in 2019. On the brink of the pandemic. She is married and has five children with ages 22, 20, 18, 15 and 14. Here is her story,
She laughs then continues, “Later on, I borrowed 15,000 RWF, and continued my businesses. I increased the number of chickens and in one month when I sold eggs, I got 20,000RWF to 25,000RWF. The chickens also gave me manure for my garden where I grew some vegetables. I had more vegetables for food and for selling.”
“But the COVID-19 life was not easy because both my husband and I did not have enough money to meet the family needs. However, as the pandemic was subsiding, our group received a loan of 400,000 RWF and I borrowed part of that money to purchase a pig. The pig has since then multiplied and I have been selling its off springs to invest in other businesses, including buying a cow! Other members of my group used what they borrowed to grow various crops on rented land.”
With a look of confidence on her face she says, “As a group, we have also been learning how to make handicrafts. I have been selling the handicrafts I made, and our family managed to get running water at our home! I have continued to learn new crafts, like making bags with beads, and I’m teaching the same craft to my children! The different activities that I’m involved in give me income, which I add to what my husband earns and we are able to meet the needs of our family. Our children have the needed scholastic materials on time, as well as the school fees. Each of my children has a vision for the future. One is training to be a carpenter, another is learning how to do electric installation, and the rest have dreams of becoming doctors or nurses!”
She ends by saying, “It is a great blessing to be a member of the SHG! I would not have made all the mentioned achievements if I were not a member. I now live a new and better life, together with all my family members! I’m so thankful to the people that support the SHGs in our district!”
