Links International has pioneered a micro-enterprise development project at Wellspring Uganda in which more than 1,300 families have been taken out of poverty since the year 2000. Small loans are given to individuals, groups or families in the developing world to start a small business. Children are fed, clothed and educated, daily needs are met, people are empowered, dignity is restored and savings accounts opened. The original loan is repaid and recycled to help start someone else up in business.
Here are just a few examples:
Nansikombi Berna –The Charcoal/ Tomatoes lady
Nansikombi, single mother of two, has caught the imagination of many in Gerenge a small fishing village in Uganda. Starting by selling tomatoes from a small stall by the side of the road, she went on to apply for a 2nd cycle loan. She diversified her business buying charcoal from the islands and selling it to her fellow villagers. Nansikombi has bought a plot of land adjacent to her stall and has saved to build a house. She is now on her 3rd cycle loan, has constructed a house and sells charcoal wholesale in this village where she was once a retailer!
Tamale Robinah – The Hair dresser
Tamale’s Hair salon is Gerenge’s answer to ‘Toni & Guys’, it has been so successful that she has repaid her 3rd cycle loan and has employed others to help her in her saloon. Tamale has saved and paid for the building in which she operates, varying in many different hair styles, plaiting, braiding and straightening to name a few. As a sideline Tamale is also selling a variety of cosmetic products.
Nakiteera Annete - entrepreneur
Nakiteera has recently given her life to Christ during a leaders training seminar held at The Wellspring Centre. She is a natural entrepreneur and seeks to guide others in business development, having already become a mentor to many ladies in the settlement where she lives with her family.
In her 1st cycle selling fish, she saved enough to employ two fishermen to sell all their catch exclusively to her. In her 2nd cycle she bought a canoe, which means she no longer has to hire a boat. Now on her third cycle loan, Nakiteera employs fishermen, sells Tilapia and Nile perch to businessmen at the shores and has begun plans to build her own house. This once impossible dream for a single lady in her late forties has been made possible by micro enterprise loans and training through Links International.
Written by Joe Gisbey, Links International
