Pauline Mutungi – Doing Business and Raising a Family in Kibera

Pauline Mutungi – Doing Business and Raising a Family in Kibera

Leah and Pauline

Pauline is mother and a businesswoman living in Kibera, Nairobi.

As a businesswoman, Pauline has been working with Kijiji Cha Upendo since 2015, participating in their livelihoods training, micro-loans program, and Village Savings and Loans meetings.  At the beginning of 2016, she took out a loan from Kijiji Cha Upendo for 10,000 Kenyan Shillings (~$130), which she used to buy additional inventory for her business.  The extra goods at her shop have helped to boost business, and she has already paid back over 50% of the loan.  Her monthly income has increased, and she is currently earning 6,000 shillings ($78) per month to support herself and her family.

As a mother, Pauline is currently supporting 6 children (4 biological and 2 orphans).  Her two eldest children, Sharon and Mercy, ages 19, have just completed Secondary School (the equivalent of high school), and are hoping to join college.  Dennis, age 14, is currently enrolled in Form 2 (Grade 10); Ian, age 12, is currently enrolled in Class 7 (Grade 7); Goodluck, age 6, is currently enrolled in Class 2 (Grade 2); and Innocent, age 5 is currently enrolled in pre-school.  Altogether, Pauline pays approximately 80,000 KES or $1,000 CDN per year on school fees, a significant portion of her monthly income.

Pauline says that she is very thankful for Kijiji Cha Upendo’s Programs and that she has been able to participate.  The livelihood training and savings and loans programs have allowed her to boost her business and income, which is helping her to meet the needs of her children, from putting food on the table, to making sure that they are all able to go to school consistently.  Pauline hopes to continue to be involved with Kijiji Cha Upendo’s programs in order to further boost her income and ensuring the best future for her children.

The livelhoods investments through Kijiji Cha Upendo are made possible by the funds raised by the Village of Love Canada community of the CAP Network.

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