Janet joined the Kiwanjani Psychosocial Support Group two years ago. The first time Kiunga Project Officer Mbae Leon visited the group after she joined, he spoke about the idea of voluntary saving and loaning, and explained that the practice could help members establish a capital base that would allow them to start and strengthen small businesses.
Many of the group members rejected the idea for fear that their businesses would fail and they wouldn’t be able to repay their loans. But Janet just knew the idea could work and convinced nine other members to start saving with her.
The 10 members began by saving 100 Kenyan shillings (about 75 cents) per week for three months. The first loan of 3,500 Kenyan shillings (about 26 dollars) was awarded to Janet and she used it to purchase her first goat.
For women living in the Meru community of Isiolo, goats can mean economic independence and a chance to give their children a better future.
For Janet, this was especially important because her husband died four years ago of HIV, leaving her to take care of their three children on her own. It had always been a struggle, but Janet now owns six goats! Those goats are providing enough milk for her children and enough excess to sell in the market for 90 Kenyan shillings (about 70 cents) per liter, which is a good source of income for her.
Janet says, “I pay my loans without struggle and buy food for my children with my milk money.”
In addition to being easy to care for, goats are also easy to sell any time, which is another potential source of income for Janet, should she need it.
“Thanks to Kiunga for bringing us together and giving us brilliant ideas to survive!”