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 fieldtrip begins with a visit to the market.

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.”

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 has already to 50 by Christmas.

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.

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.

That same man also raises goats, demonstrating that you don’t have to confine yourself to one business.

That same man also raises goats, demonstrating that you don’t have to confine yourself to one business.

Grace has made a friend. “I’ve been inspired to start buying goats this year,” said Grace.

Anena Grace has made a friend. “I’ve been inspired to start buying goats this year,” said Grace.

Evelyn, the Mend social worker, plans activities like this one in order to inspire the women at Mend with new ways to improve their livelihood. “One thing that I want to see is the seamstresses planning their IGAs out ahead of time so they won’t get much challenges – taking them up positively with all their heart.”

Lapat Evelyn, the Mend social worker, plans activities like this one in order to encourage the women at Mend to find new ways to improve their livelihood. “One thing that I want to see is the seamstresses planning their IGAs out ahead of time so they won’t get much challenges – taking them up positively with all their heart.”

Mend sign

The social enterprise Mend is one of our Recovery Programs in Uganda, and is funded through monthly donations by members of Fourth Estate. Find out how you can sign up for a Fourth Estate membership HERE.