A mother of 4 children and grandmother of 14 grandchildren inclusive of two sets of twins, Ruth told us that she used to live from hand to mouth.
“I never thought of saving for myself. I used to work small jobs and whatever I earned, I consumed it. Every time I got a problem or an emergency I would be stressed out without a fall-back plan. Taking care of my daily family needs was quite hard.”
Ruth Nabweteme mood shifted immediately we asked about her children – and rightly so. We could not engage much further in this trend of conversation but managed to gather that they are unmarried but the four have 14 children who they have born and left at Ruth’s home.
It goes without saying that, the children are most likely unemployed.
In around 2013, Ruth Nabweteme – an elderly woman joined Pendeza and things started to change for the better.
“I never used to have any investment before joining Pendeza. Life was hard. After joining Pendeza Uganda, life became easier because I learned to draw budgets, plan for my money and work hard. Now, I can plan how much to spend and how much to save for future investments.
Taking care of my family needs has become easier now. I no longer spend impulsively. I have been able to acquire my own piece of land in Wakiso. I hope to build my residential home there and start rearing animals, like goats and sheep.
I have made friends with people that, prior to joining Pendeza Uganda, I wouldn’t have believed they could associate with me.”
Ruth says that she is no longer ruled by fear and worry. She knows that whenever a problem hits, Pendeza Uganda is there for her.
“Besides them (the people at Pendeza Uganda) helping me out, they always give me counsel, encouragement and advise me on how to go about my personal problems.”
It is easier for Ruth to access financial help in form of loans. In fact, recently one side of the house she stay2 in collapsed. She spoke to the leaders at Pendeza Uganda office and asked for help.
While narrating this, a visibly happy Ruth said, “They gave me a loan of 800,000 UGX and my house is now under repair. The wall has been rebuilt, and now I am about to fix the door and windows.”
Getting quick loans is not all that Ruth gets from Pendeza Uganda.
“I am so grateful to Pendeza because I also have a safe place to keep my money,” Ruth added during our interaction with her.
Her troubles have reduced because of Pendeza and Ruth can better care for her grandchildren who are all below the age of 15.
We are simply happy to be a great part of this story.
