For 55-year-old Joyce Mutwanga of Kakindo Village, goat rearing had always seemed like a good way to create a more secure future for her family. A hardworking farmer and mother of six, Joyce had the land and the determination, but she lacked the money to get started.
That changed when Joyce joined the Maranatha Health AB Program and became part of a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA).
The group gives members a way to save small amounts of money together and access loans when they need them. For people like Joyce, who may not have access to traditional banking services, it provides an opportunity to put aside money regularly and use it to invest in something that can grow.
Joyce was one of the first members to borrow from the group. Rather than using the money for an immediate household expense, she invested it in a goat.
Today, that first goat has grown into a small herd.
(L) An AB with Joyce's goats, and (R) Joyce with her goats
The goats are becoming an important asset for Joyce and her family, giving her a source of income that she can build over time. She says the additional income has helped her meet everyday household needs, including food, school requirements and other essential expenses.
Just as importantly, Joyce has gained confidence in her ability to plan for the future.
Her experience is also encouraging other women in Kakindo to think about what they could achieve by saving and investing together.
For Joyce, it started with a small contribution to a savings group and the decision to invest in one goat. What she has built since then shows how a simple opportunity to save can help a family begin to plan beyond the immediate needs of today.
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