Success Stories
Pamoja Twaweza Group Story: Pamoja Twaweza is a group supported by Top Notch CDI- the group is composed of 43 members; the group is both a welfare group where members support each other during hard times but also an economic and empowerment group. The group is involved in VSLA activities, through their joint piggery project supported Top Notch CDI the group has evolved into a catering group which provides catering services during burials, weddings in their communities. The group now owns two tents and 150 chairs. “Given further support we would like to expand our catering services by purchasing more utensils and adding chairs to 1000 to meet our community demand.” Molly Okello, Group secretary.
Calvin’s Progress: am 19 years old, live in Omito Bung cell in Lira district, when I heard about Top Notch- CDI I joined a group of young people in our cell who were being supported by the organization. Our group was given 3 female pigs and 1 male, we used to keep them jointly as a group after 8 months the pigs delivered and we 22 piglets, we agreed to distribute the piglets to individuals and I was among the people that received a piglet at the first delivery. I raised the piglet with local foods (vegetable but would also buy maize brand combined with silver fish to keep them healthy, I now have 4 pigs after I sold one during Easter at ugx 320,000 (US$91). I addition our group was trained on Village Savings Association, where we save on a weekly basis and can borrow money from the group. When I don’t have money for feeds, I can borrow from the group at any time. I thank Top Notch for the support and I call upon other young people to join such initiatives.
Jane’s Story: “My name is Jane Madilo, a member of Pamoja Twaweza group, am from Teso bar cell but Joined the group in the year 2022 supported by Top Notch -CDI in Omito Bung A because they used to meet near my garden, the group started as a social group where members stand with each other especially when a member is grieved but when Top Notch- CDI trained us on Financial Literacy and Income Generating activities, my life has changed. My garden used to perform poorly because of late preparation due lack of funds and planting the same seeds over and over again, but when I joined and saved in the group, I have been able to access soft loans which can help prepare my garden and plant on time, last year I got 15 bags of maize and 5 bags of beans which has eased paying of, school fees for my children. I thank Top Notch CDI- for training our group.”
