Before JPRWEE initiative came to Kirehe, Shakila MUTETERI, a 49-year-old resident of Bwiza Village in Kamombo Cell, Mahama Sector was a full-time housewife with no source of income. Married to Mandela Nelson and raising two boys, Shakila’s family struggled financially, living in a two-room house without a kitchen or pit latrine. Their reliance on Mandela’s income left them in a state of poverty. ‘’My husband would give me money for buying food, but I often misuse it on unplanned expenses like clothes because I had no saving skills.’’ Shakila recalls.
As a selected beneficiary of the JPRWEE initiative, Shakila received training on the five GALS+ tools, which she found particularly enlightening, especially the Vision Road Journey and Diamond Dream tools. ‘’I remember the day we were trained on the Vision Road Journey. I went home and told my husband that I had money, though intangible. He was confused at first.’’ Shakila explains
Through discussions around the Vision Road Journey, Shakila and mandela developed a shared vision for their future: to build a house, purchase a bicycle, and construct a kitchen and a toilet. However, they faced challenges, including conflicts stemming from Mandela’s alcohol consumption.
Building harmony and progress:
Shakila introduced the Diamond Dream tool, which fostered greater understanding and love within their family. ‘’ We learned about each other’s likes and dislikes, which helped us live in harmony’’ she says. ‘’ We are committed to supporting our sons in their education’’.
Today, Shakila and her family are among the happiest in kamombo cell. Through savings and loan schemes, they have built a kitchen, a pit latrine, and bought a bicycle that helps for transport and livestock (chicken and goats) that gives them organic fertilizer for their farming and eggs for fighting against malnutrition.
Community impact:
Shakila and Mandela have also become advocates for others in their community. They have helped four other couples resolve their conflicts using the GALS+ methodology. ‘’ Now they are doing well, and we look forward to reaching out to more families.’’ Shakila shares.
Gratitude:
Thanks to JPRWEE initiative and GALS+ methodology, Shakila’s family has transformed their lives, creating a brighter future for themselves and inspiring others in their community.
