Uganda Partner

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Nyaka in Uganda

Partner Since: 2014
Total Support Provided: $409,100

Current Funds Granted: $60,000

WE funding supports empowered women like Georgia, a widow, caring for her four grandchildren ages 7 months to 10 years old. With her first microloan, she purchased a goat, which gave birth to multiple goats. She has since been able to raise goats and two cows, sell goats, sell vegetables and bananas fertilized with the goal manure, sell milk, provide milk for her grandchildren, raise her standard of living, and gain respect in her community. “Because of the loan I received, I am able to provide for my grandchildren.”

The Challenge

The AIDS epidemic has been particularly cruel in Uganda, leading to massive loss of life and a generation of children without parents. By one estimate, more than 2 million children have been orphaned by the disease. Thousands of Ugandan grandmothers, ranging in age from 55 well into their 90’s, now find themselves caring for their grandchildren — often as many as six to a dwelling. To enable grandmothers to earn the means to support themselves and their families, the Nyaka Granny Microfinance Project was born, a program of the Nyaka AIDS Orphans Foundation (NAF).

The Program

Since 2014, Women’s Empowerment has proudly partnered with NAF to fund small business loans to these grandmothers in desperate need. Women receive loans that are the equivalent of $4 to $40. Thanks to charitable contributions, WE has provided $128,800 in loan and program funding, and $20,000 for water-harvesting tanks, to fulfill the urgent need for safe drinking water near homes in the villages. Today, 96 “Granny Groups” including more than 7,000 grandmothers are benefiting from WE funding and have started small, income-generating enterprises including making handicrafts; growing, harvesting and selling crops; and engaging in animal husbandry. Grandmothers are earning income and caring for their grandchildren, many of whom now attend local school.