|
Teresiah
in front of her shop
Mary
at her shop
 |
|
My
name is Teresiah Wanjiru Ngugi, I’m 22 years
old. I am an orphan following the death of my single
mother in the year 2009 when I was just about to finish
my high school studies. I was left with my grand mother
to take care of me. Unfortunately she couldn’t manage
to raise school fees for my college so I just stayed at
home doing nothing apart from household chores.
In
August last year I was invited to a meeting organized by
Kijabe Environment Volunteers (KENVO), a partner to ICAfrica.
It was there when I first heard of ICAfrica. One
of the volunteers explained more on what ICAfrica
was all about. The following day I visited their office
here in Kimende and I was linked to Equity bank branch
in Kimende town who immediately enrolled me in a
business skills training seminar that I
attended for eight weeks. Later, ICAfrica granted
me a loan of Ksh. 5000 with which I set up a fruits
shop.
Upon
repayment of my first loan in four months, ICAfrica
granted me another loan of Ksh. 10,000 with which I
acquired a fruit blender and utensils to make and serve
fresh juice. I also utilized the money to secure a
permit with the local council so I can blend fresh
juice. I now
sell fruits, fresh juice, fruit salad and I enjoy the
work. My business is doing very well as my juice is free
from chemicals and people prefer it to those bought in
the shops. With my savings I have been able to provide
for my up-keep, enroll in a computer class that I attend
in the evening and to look after my aging grand mother.
I also have plans to pursue accounting studies after I
am through with the computer classes.
ICAfrica
has given me a new chance, my life is brighter now and
I’m so grateful. I can imagine by now I’d have been
lured into so many social evils but now I have lots of
hope. Thank you very
much ICAfrica!
.
|
