Give Life To Dreams This Holiday
Do you remember at the beginning of the year (pre-pandemic times), we introduced to you a mother and 100 Women Club beneficiary named Eva Nantanda? Her name – Eva – literally translates to “Giver of Life.” It’s very fitting considering that she gave life to 5 beautiful children (including COU sponsored student, Moses), as well as a thriving homestead with 10 cows, 8 goats, 8 pigs, a banana plantation, corn fields, coffee production and more.
Eva’s involvement in our Family Empowerment Program (FEP) and the diversity of her Income Generating Activities (IGAs) has strengthened her ability to weather this brutal year; and yet, she too has faced major set-backs.
For those who haven’t had an opportunity to participate in FEP or for guardians whose customer-based IGAs were halted during lockdown, the situation became even more dire. As days and weeks passed, families began calling out for help.
Right now, when you give $25, $50, $100 or more, your support will go twice as far to help families overcome the set-backs they’ve faced this year.
That is because, from now through December, all donations will be matched up to $10,000!
In an effort to empower guardians like Eva and to help families generate new income from the safety of their own homes, we initiated several IGA lockdown trainings, including tailoring. Eva was invited to join one of these small groups where she learned how to mend and sew clothing – once again giving life to a profitable project that will benefit her family.
Eva tapped deep into her resilient spirit – despite the many challenges of 2020 – and with a small investment from friends like you she is working hard to overcome it all. Other guardians have been inspired by her success and continued humility.
Her son Moses (who is a COU sponsored student) is so grateful to his mother and has learned so much about business from her.
I had the privilege of meeting Eva last year in Uganda (as well as seeing her again on my most recent trip). Although she doesn’t speak English – her beaming smile and laughter were all I needed to witness as she shared her story. My heart knew exactly what she was saying.
The last thing I want is for Eva or anyone to lose that sense of hope and optimism. The dreams of every woman and child we’ve invested in are still valid and we will do everything in our power to see their progress and hope restored.
