Photo: Mariam at market waiting for her customers.
Mariam is 39 years old and lives in Pabbo Quarter Village in Gulu. Her family has lived there for over ten years. Mariam and her husband, Oryma, have seven children their own and caretakers four others. In October 2015, Mariam heard that THRIVEGulu is bringing VSLA groups to vulnerable women in the Layibi community of Gulu. She decided to join other women and they named it “Mon Yele Village Savings and Loan Association Group.” The group started with 12 members and today the numbers have increased to 30 members!
Every member in the group set a savings goal for the year. For her, it was easy. Her goals were to save enough money to pay the school fees for her children, set-up a business, buy land and construct a two room house. Mariam was a quick learner and was chosen to be the group chairperson. Within two years, Mariam has already saved a good amount of money. Mariam’s savings made her feel powerful. She then borrowed a loan from the group to open her business where she sells beans, Gnat and beef in the Gulu Town Market. “I’ve only been in this market for 3 years, but I have recovered all the money invested in the business,” Mariam said, “Within this period, I now have profits for my own separate bank account.” Mariam shows that opportunity combined with hard work and perseverance can lead to success!
