Pakiteng Livestock Keepers

Pakiteng is a name for somebody who gives somebody else a cow.  So, if I give you a cow, you’ll call me Pakiteng as a way to remember the generosity of my gift an our friendship will be cemented!  This group from Olgulului started in 2012 and was trained but did not meet the eligibility requirements for a loan in 2013.  One of the keys to success for the Livestock as Business project is to ensure that only groups who have committed themselves to change receive loans.  This is part of the reason why we’ve never had a loan that wasn’t repaid.

Ilkiramat loo Imisiygio

Joyce and Chairlady Ester shake hands after she signs her agreement.

Translated, Ilkiramat loo Imisiygio means the livestock-keepers of Imisgyio. This group is comprised of twelve women and five men, and they have just completed their first loan cycle. They are a very driven group; each member does his or her part to raise money for buying cattle, and every two weeks they meet to discuss plans and their progress. Many of the members use the profits to send their children to school, and they are very thankful for the opportunity they have been given.

Nailepu

Nailepu Chairlady introducing her group members on Loan Signing Day

Nailepu is a group from Meshenani, made up of 18 women. They are a re-formed beading group WILK has worked with since 2008, who also were very interested in improving the way they care for their livestock, finding new ways to do business, and providing for their families - including making sure their children go to school. They believe unity will bring them strength to change their lives and their first activities were the business of selling sugar and gasoline, two indispensable commodities in the area.