PilotLightFoundation

We are committed to empowering people to help themselves in the fight against extreme poverty through sustainable income generating activities in #Africa.

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

#sustainabledevelopment #socent #sustainableincome #endpoverty #alleviatepoverty #economicempowerment #socialenterprise #socialimpact #farmers #microloans #revolvingfunds #VillageSavingsandLoans #empowerwomen #empoweringwomen #nonprofits #changemakers #rwanda #uganda

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

It's that time once more! We're embarking on a journey to Rwanda and Uganda to connect with as many members of the Village Savings and Loans groups as we can. Our purpose is to directly hear from those we serve about how this program is impacting their annual income. 1/

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

We're also interested in identifying any challenges hindering their progress. By working together in real-time, we can find solutions to overcome any obstacles. Stay tuned for special updates from our travels in the coming weeks! 2/

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[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

The savings are important both because they dictates the size of loans a member can receive and also ensure the sustainability of the group.
#sustainabledevelopment #socialimpact #endpoverty #empowerwomen #empoweringwomen #microloans #VillageSavingsAndLoans #changemaker #uganda

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

Edith holds the esteemed position of chairperson for her one year old group. Prior to joining the group, she had no real income to speak of and only cultivated food for her family's consumption. In that first year, she used loans to establish two businesses. 1/

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

One of the ways we can measure the profound impact of the Village Savings and Loans groups is to analyze the weekly savings of its members. Edith's savings rate increased significantly from went from saving less than $1 per week to an impressive $3. 3/

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

With her savings & additional loans, Jacinta plans to further expand her businesses and eventually open a store. Her unwavering determination serves as a shining example, especially for her daughters. The future holds limitless possibilities for her!
#InternationWonesDay2024

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

Celebrating International Women's Day, Jacinta stands out as a remarkable woman who exemplifies the remarkable achievements made by women who are afforded the chance to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. 1/

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

Additionally, she takes pride in owning 6 thriving goats and a flock of 25 chickens. Education has always been a priority for Jacinta and her husband and her success is supporting all 6 of her children through secondary school. 4/

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

Now, their young family of 5 is eating well and thriving.

This kind of success has been an inspiration to all of the members of her community and especially the other members of her group.
#sustainabledevelopment #endpoverty #VillageSavingsAndLoans #farmers #changemaker

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

Irene was a housewife and her husband a small scale farmer before she became a member of a Village Savings and Loans group 6 years ago at the age of 25. She used her first loans to invest in farming simsim (sesame)and soybeans, which brought in more than $1000 the first year. 1/

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

Using more loans & profits from the farm, she & her husband opened a little shop where she sells petrol in soda bottles & is now earning around $165/week! That combined with the profits from the farm is more than they ever thought they would be able to earn. 2/

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

From the Pilot Light family to yours

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

Agnes plans to keep taking loans to continue growing her business & will buy 2 bulls for plowing. She'll also be able to rent the bulls to neighbors during the harvest seasons.
No wonder Agnes smiles so much.
#endpoverty #economicempowerment #empowerwomen #empoweringwomen

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

Agnes, a 52 year old mother of 9, was only farming for home consumption when she first joined a Savings & Loans group in 2019. She used her loans to start a business selling wooden mortar and pestles used for grinding shea nuts, simson (sesame seeds) and groundnuts (peanuts). 1/

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

The biz has grown so much over 4 years that she's now earning $38-55/week, depending on the sizes of & number she sells. She's accumulated 7 sheep, 2 goats, 1 cow & 1 pig. She sells an animal when there is a need for something extra and, of course, they continue to multiply. 2/

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

Future plans include building a storage shed, so he can store larger quantities and find larger buyers from the city. What a difference a year makes!
#sustainabledevelopment #endpoverty #alleviatepoverty #socialenterprise #microloans #VillageSavingsandLoans #changemaker #uganda

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

In only one year as a member of a Savings and Loans group, 30 year old father of 3, Jasper, has completely transformed life for his whole family. Previously, he was only growing food for home consumption. His family was really struggling. 1/

[PilotLightFoundation @PilotLightFund]

He used loans to start a business buying and selling maize and soy beans. He also now plants enough maize to yield 20 bags each season for additional income. Jasper is now earning $40 per week and owns 5 goats, 3 cows, a second hand motorcycle and is building a brick house. 2/