SEE LIFE THROUGH DIFFERENT EYES WITH US IN Uganda
Join us for an inspiring, unforgettable trip Seeing the work you make possible in real life, with your own eyes, is an amazing, inspiring experience. We’d love to have you join us as we travel to Uganda in the middle of the year, and meet the wonderful people whose communities are being changed.
Call us on: 1300 731 550 to find out more! Or email Jacquie at: info@ina.org.au
A STITCH IN TIME: JOSIE’S STORY
Everything changed when she attended a CoMSCA orientation. She began managing her finances
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differently, and with time, Josie’s business flourished. She saved
t’s a tragedy immediately spotted by many people watching a disaster unfold: children are the most vulnerable, and usually the most impacted. What about when children grow
meticulously, attracted customers with her quality workmanship and could offer affordable prices. She also secured documentation to legalise her business and utilised CoMSCA’s financial programs to pay off her loan. “Through sheer willpower and the aid of CoMSCA's invaluable support, I transformed adversity into triumph,” she says, fiercely proud. To her, it proves that “success is possible even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.” Josie is now a CoMSCA chairperson, and Josie’s daughter, a graduate of the ChildLink program, is able to attend university. From July to December 2023, a total of 1349 members were attending CoMSCA- related training, surpassing the expected target of 860 members. In the words of Sherwin Mariano, Vineyard CEO, “If they all benefit even half as much as Josie has we will be absolutely thrilled.”
up in the aftermath of a disaster, or in the relentless struggle to survive poverty? Their access to basic education and the foundations needed for life are often damaged or taken away. Project HEAL, in collaboration with INA local lead partner Vineyard of His Grace Ministries Inc., was established in The Philippines to implement three key programs: • Children Empowerment (ChildLink) • Education in Emergencies • Community Managed Savings and Credit Association (CoMSCA) These initiatives specifically seek to ensure provision of education for children in poverty and the reconnection of children into education after disasters. They also invest in livelihood programs in collaboration with the public, private and non-government sectors to give
disadvantaged families the skills and opportunities to break the cycle of poverty. Josie, now an upholstery business owner, set up her business in 2018 with hopes of supporting her family and creating a stable income. However, she was unable to afford the necessary equipment, attract a customer base and compete with other established upholstery businesses in the area. Determined and hardworking, Josie took out a private loan, a decision that left her drowning in high debts and incessant harassment from a loan shark. “The exorbitant interest rates and relentless pressure made it seem impossible for me to keep my dream alive,” says Josie.
Image: Josie at her daughter’s graduation, speaking to her CoMSCA group
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