Monicah (Tulimani) – “We had heavy rains which destroyed crops in some areas, but we have hope in other areas.” At least one group lost all their beans with the flooding, and one chairlady and one member lost their husbands.

Agnes (Yandue) – The new cluster (note the new name) continues their training, as Agnes describes: “Still training on how to go through with IGAs, and also training members on how to do devotions, cook, educate their girls and how to dress.” She hopes for wisdom to overcome challenges in her leading of Yandue. 

Agnes (Mbooni) – Mbooni cluster is very busy preparing for the 2024 Work Team which arrives at the end of February. The groups continue in many different income generation projects and are busy making baskets for the Work Team visitors.

Beatrice (Kibwezi) – The rain has boosted activity, as well as the training they received in income generation at the end of 2023. They are also preparing for the Work Team Marketplace. The challenge in Kibwezi is how few women have tanks.

Regina (Malili A) – It’s the season again to make sisal ropes, and groups continue to diversify their income generation with making and selling mandazi doughnuts, knitted sweaters and some jewelry for the Work Team marketplace. In training, treasurers will produce a monthly earnings sheet. But the heavy rains have negatively affected their crops – they do not anticipate a harvest.

Regina (Malili B) – One group sold a lorry-full of gravel, a huge success. They contributed Christmas gifts to needy families in their area of wheat flour, rice, cooking oil, and sweet biscuits. Another group had a Christmas party and helped families with gifts, too, while group prayer partners did a gift exchange. Training continues in record keeping and Regina will oversee the treasurers’ records. As they face the challenges of low harvest, “we agreed to limit the food cooked to be enough for families, so as not to waste food.” One member, a mother of four, just lost her husband – the breadwinner for the family. 

Susan (Kilome) – Kilome closed buying 15 tanks, a record for them. Two of the older groups plan to graduate soon, and we celebrate with them. A facilitator came in to train in diversifying income generation.