My name is Akao Juliet, I am a woman, 20 years old. When I met Ignite Change, I had already given birth. In my heart, there was something I wanted to do, but there was no way to reach it. Our mentor from Ignite Change took us through training. I now have many new ideas on how I can get out of poverty and develop by starting up a business.
Before I met Ignite Change, I was not doing anything, I was only farming. I had trained as a tailor, but I did not have the items needed to start a tailoring business. After receiving training on development, my interest grew in starting my own business. Before, I had no idea how to get the items needed to start, I thought I had no way of getting money.
After receiving advice from my mentor, I used the little money I had to rent a garden and plant soybeans back in March 2022. From the harvest in August, I got 3 sacks of soybeans and I sold them for 650,000 shillings ($176). Then I used that money to buy a sewing machine and other materials like threads and zippers to start my tailoring business. I rented a storefront on the road side where people could easily find me.
Akao Juliet with her Income-Generating-Activity
Even after the training, Ignite Change continues to mentor us and give us advice. They even helped us start saving by giving us a savings box. Up to now, the members of our group are still saving together.
At this time, I want to thank Ignite Change for changing the lives of girls like me. Let's say you have dropped out of school, your parents don’t have money. You believe you’re stuck. But through their good advice, I was able to start a business. So I want to thank them for that. I thank them also so much for continuing to bring good things to our community. Up to now, I am doing well. I have my own business. I can help my parents or siblings or my relative who is sick because I have enough money. I was able to leave where I was and now I have become someone who can stand strong by myself.
-Akao Juliet, Young Mother, 2022