Our locally-developed Family Empowerment Program (FEP) is aimed at strengthening the capacity of households to handle the general welfare of their children. In order to achieve this, FEP covers 3 specific core areas: economic empowerment through Income Generating Activities (IGAs), Village Savings & Loan Associations (VSLAs), and capacity building. The program empowers women by training them in marketable skills and resource management.
Thanks to The 100 Women Club supporters, IGAs are currently benefiting families in the Kampala, Mukono and Kyotera districts. Women-owned businesses in retail (clothing, shoes & grocery), agriculture production (coffee, seasonal crops & vegetables), mat weaving, crafts, piggeries, small-scale restaurants and more are growing exponentially via our empowerment program. Not only families, but entire communities are transforming.
The 13 Village Saving and Loan Associations (VSLAs) initiated by COU are also steadily progressing. Members testify that they have been able to overcome many financial challenges because of their VSLA participation. More of their children are reporting to school on time and with their mandatory school supplies than ever before. To date, approximately 2,200 individuals have been impacted by our life-changing VSLA groups and IGA projects.