Learn How a Micro-loan Can Change A Life.

Molly Petrie and Brad Patocka traveled to Uganda this year to capture on video the amazing stories of the children and people who are Change A Life beneficiaries. Here is their story.

Hello from Uganda!

Godfrey, a brick maker in Nabingo is a recipient of a microloan from CALU. He used the money to pay off his medical bills after a bad car accident and is now making bricks in order to pay back his loan. He wants to take out another loan to fix up his truck, which was the initial purpose of his first loan. In our final weeks here in Uganda we have begun to explore the microfinance portion of Change a Life Uganda's mission. The issues of health, education, and self-sustainability, are intricately intertwined. And in order for a community to improve itself all three of these concerns must be addressed. CALU has developed several programs that create economic opportunities for members of the Migyera and Nabbingo communities.  They have created a micro-loan program to finance the entrepreneurial endeavors of members of the community, there are even loans available to children who would like to raise livestock. Another series of programs being developed is the craft making and tailoring programs. Women can join these programs and are then trained to create beautiful woven baskets or paper jewelry. These programs give members of the community an opportunity to build business, to improve their quality of life and most impressively to recognize their dreams.

We visited a number of students who are also part of the microfinance program. Through a small loan these children are able to receive chickens, goats, pigs or cattle (each varies in price). Children can then sell the goods produced by each animal  or choose to breed the animal and sell the offspring at the market. The benefits of this program allow children not only to learn about caring for animals but also how to manage their finances. They are given a bank account and are taught how to save and invest their earnings in their education.  Women are the backbone in Uganda. With men being allowed to have multiple families women become the primary care takers of their children. However there is a lack of job opportunities for women and as a result many families live without a reliable income. One of CALU's many programs is its income alternative program. Women,and men too if they choose, are trained to sew, weave baskets or make jewelry. These products are then sold at markets  in Uganda and over in the US, providing families with the money they need to care for and educate their children. Here are a few photos of the women hard at work sewing and weaving and of their local craft shop in Migyera.