Based on a 2012 survey, more than half of the seamstresses in our Gulu-based social enterprise were operating Income Generating Activities (IGAs)–and 81.8% expressed interest in starting their own. To learn more about how, the ladies stepped away from their sewing machines last week for a field trip. Local facilitators with business skills training experience set up visits to area businesses that offered a look at their operations and insight into successes and challenges. Field training like this is one of the ways Mend equips women with the knowledge and skills needed to generate income and improve livelihood.
The field trip begins with a visit to the market.
Local tailors at the public market explain what the work is like, sharing advice and challenges. Ajok Betty was encouraged by the visit: “From this IGA, this lady is able to pay her children in school. I want to get a machine for making tablecloths that I can sell on the weekends.”
Next up, how to raise chickens. Aromorach Monica was inspired by how well the chickens were cared for, and how much money they made for their owner. She was able to ask questions about the kinds of feed and vaccinations used, and how to get customers. “I want to have even more chickens than that man,” Monica said. She is planning to increase the 18 chickens she already has to 50 by Christmas.
The final visit was to a man who years ago invested in some mango trees and now is making great profits off the harvest. While some investments may take a few years to produce fruit, it is worth the wait. “When you plant a fruit tree, you not only benefit yourself, but also your children and grandchildren,” Acayo Margret said. She is ready to start planting.
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