A women’s group in Kuresoi has invested in dairy farming, thanks to funding they received from the Uwezo Fund kitty.
According to the women, it has taken them commitment, self-sacrifice and determination to reach where they are, further exuding confidence that their journey to greater heights had just begun.
Selah Wairimu, chairperson of Wamama Jitegemee Self Help Group said they prioritised success, which has proved a milestone in their journey.
“If you want success, never settle for less and you will achieve it. Challenges are part of life but you need to keep going to reach there,” she said.
Boasting of seven dairy cattle, the group has been supplying milk to schools, colleges, churches and other households for three years now, something they say seemed impossible at first.
“At first, we wanted to venture into poultry farming because some members felt such a business was a preserve for men, but so far so good; we are still counting our blessings one by one,” she said, adding that other than the cows, almost all members had been given a calf each time a cow gave birth.
“At the individual level, some of us could never have managed to own such high-breed cattle but look at us now, all our homesteads have one,” Wairimu offered.
The group further advises young girls to come together, form groups and empower one another for a better future, and do away with the mentality of waiting for things to be done for them.
“Qualified or not, there is always an opportunity for each one of us, as long as you remain focused and hang around like-minded individuals, one day you will achieve your dreams. Don’t just sit there, these things don’t look for you, you must take an initiative,” she advised.
The group plans to venture into milk processing saying that they want to tap into the market and make a difference.
“We are ready to challenge our young generation into action by being the pacesetters, watch this space,” she asserted.
Uwezo and the Youth Enterprise funds are government interest free loans aimed at empowering youth and women into becoming self-reliant.