Stories

Juana shares the story of how she overcame her fears of leadership and developed confidence by participating in women’s organizations with the support of The Hunger Project and Chirapaq, THP’s partner organization in Peru.

Ndéye Loum is described by her close relations and companions as an ever-present, tireless and committed individual dedicated to the development of her village and its surroundings. She has become a Trainer of Trainers on women’s rights and shares her story.

Before joining THP-Uganda, Jacob Opua, 53 years old, invested all his time in cassava production but made little progress in increasing his agricultural productivity and income. Two years after joining THP-Uganda, Jacob boasts over six acres in use for cassava production.

Mrs. Christine Kpatali, age 22 and mother of a baby boy, was made aware of the nutritional value of Moringa leaves through THP-Benin Health & Nutrition Program. After having used the leaves both for herself and the baby, she shares with us her experience with the Moringa leaves.

Noélie is an 18- year-old old student at the Kissamey Epicenter in Benin. On the verge of dropping out of school, Noélie discovered new energy at THP-Benin’s youth mobilization initiative for the achievement of the MDGs. She is now able to get financially ready for entering school and continuing her trade activities.

With the installation of the grinding mill in Sinkouinssi Epicenter as a part of THP-Burkina Faso’s development outreach, women like Panatigri Safiatou spend less time hand-grinding and devote more time to income-generative activities or instructional classes.

Bortene School is located in one of the villages of Enemore Epicenter. THP-Ethiopia, in partnership with the community, made major school renovations last year attracting a large community of students, parents, and teachers.

THP-Ethiopia constructed the Suda Literacy center aiming to support the informal education program for pre-school age children and the adult literacy program.

Just 42 days after participating in the mass literacy education launched by THP-Bangladesh animators, Rahima was able to write the Bengali alphabet and has begun practicing by reading newspapers frequently.

Clémentine Sèbio, a partner with THP-Benin, shares her story of agricultural success.

Josefina Martínez was once reliant upon family members living in Zacatecas for money to buy food and support her children. Now, she has a highly successful plant nursery that allows her to provide for her family and serve as an example in her community.

Juana was orphaned at the age of 11 and in between working at a local bakery to support her younger siblings, she studied at night to be a medical assistant. In 2008, Juana joined THP partner organization, Chirapaq, in Peru and, together with women from her community, began a small business selling guinea pigs. She was so successful in business that she has since advocated at a national forum for the rights of entrepreneurial women.

Tisha is an ambitious 21 year-old woman from Bangladesh. Using her training as a youth leader with THP-Bangladesh, she began her own successful School Under the Sky and empowered the community to take an interest in educating their children.

Empowered by HIV/AIDS and Gender Inequality trainings, agricultural workshops and loan opportunities at her local epicenter, Mrs. Christine Magoola has become a highly successful small farmer, trainer, advocate and valuable contributing member in her family and community.

Comfort Nyame, widow and mother of four, participated in THP-Ghana’s Women’s Empowerment Program and is now a wide-reaching advocate for women’s and children’s rights.

Geletea Gonfa began working at Jaldu Epicenter in Ethiopia when it first opened in 2005 as a way to support his wife and son. His demonstrated passion and commitment to the progress of the community have since empowered him to take leadership roles in the epicenter.

Violet Msusa is a single mother of three children and, following her participating in agricultural trainings and the Microfinance Program of THP-Malawi, is successfully providing for herself and her family.

Silva Joaquin Ngovene and his neighbors are smallholder farmers in Mozambique. Programmatic support from THP has empowered small farmer associations, like Silva’s, with trainings and resources to increase yields and feed communities.

As Chairman of his epicenter’s Education Committee, Mr. Saër Diop has advocated for the importance of improved school resources, practices and attendance. Through community mobilization and partnership building, he has successfully secured funding and support for continued primary education in and around his village.

Raymond and his wife, diagnosed with HIV in 2008, now lead healthy lives and educate their community about HIV prevention.

After being denied a complete education because she was forced to marry at 14, Razia Sultana, from Bangladesh, now serves as both a model of self-reliance and an advocate for the education of girls and children in her community.

Dado dropped out of school at grade seven to take care of her five nephews after her brother passed away. Now an epicenter leader, she vows to combat poverty in her community.

After expanding her business, Laurinda has taken on the challenges in her community and put herself in the position to empower others.