The Journey of KIPEPA Women of Hope.
Kipepa Women of Hope is an association that brings women together to improve their livelihood. Formed on August 16, 2023, the group started with 80 members. The group now has 72 members, but only 50 are active.
The group started as a Village Savings and Loans Association in Kipepa Village, Kyamutusa Parish, Nyantungo Sub County, Kyenjojo district, and has now become a learning center for community members. Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESE) selected the group, gave them several trainings in income-generating activities, and facilitated their start.
Kipepa Women of Hope’s activities range from; Kitchen gardening, maize growing, coffee growing, and production of organic manure among others.
“My house was made of mad and watto before the training. When I returned home with the knowledge following the training I underwent with JESE, I informed my husband about the facilitation given to me. We planned together to use the money to improve our home.
Having attended the training as a Community-Based Trainer, Lucy did not let the skills acquired stay with her. She organized similar trainings for her group members.
“Our men and women understood the importance of working together. We are growing maize as a group and will sell as a group.” Said Lucy, the Community Based Trainer. Kipepa Women of Hope.
We were also taught the best practices of drying coffee, and cassava using polythen. We now have clean food and seeds.
We were introduced to the district stakeholders like; the District Agricultural Officer, District Community Development Officer, and the District Commercial Officer among others. This has improved our operations. When are faced with any challenges in our garden, we call the leaders who are often swift to support us. We were once challenged with pests in our maize garden, and the Agriculture Officer advised us on the pesticide to buy and spray. We did this, now the maize looks healthy.
JESE connected us to suppliers with quality seeds and fair prices. We are not taken advantage of like before. We want to thank JESE, CARE, and the district team for the continued support given to our group.
” We are privileged to be among the group who will receive the 50 million shillings start capital loan from the Kyenjojo District Local government to invest in the business.” Shared Lucy.
We want to thank JESE for coming to the ground to ensure that we practice what they taught us. Thank you for not giving up on us. Care for trusting JESE with the funds to support us. The district for allowing JESE and Care to come and support us and for giving us the start capital loan, and the community we encourage you to continue embracing the program.
