Working From Home in Nigeria

“I try to think of what I can sell as a young lady. Not getting even a little income of my own worries me sometimes. But through this (SowHope funded) project, I got ideas on how to produce and run my own business, by myself.” – Gloria.

Rural Nigeria is a difficult place to be if you are an impoverished woman, especially in the areas where SowHope’s local leaders live and serve. The average income per person is less than $1/day and there are few opportunities for anyone to get ahead. Most women are uneducated and struggle each day to feed and care for their children. Tribal clashes and terrorism are continual threats to peace, prosperity, and life itself. COVID19 has had a seriously negative impact since there is little-to-no medical care available for average and low-income people.

In one very remote village, our local leader Margaret provided a Home Economics and Skills Acquisition Project. Sixty women and girls were taught entrepreneurial skills, including how to prepare and sell products such as snacks, liquid soap, and Vaseline. She encouraged the women to take care of themselves through savings, personal hygiene, and a clean environment. Additionally, Margaret emphasized the power of forgiveness and the importance of educating their children. At the end of the project, each woman was provided a modest amount of capital to start a small business of her own. Margaret plans to follow-up with additional training and microfunding. Here are testimonials from some of the women.

“I learned the process of making liquid soap and how to get income to help my family and now I am able to take my children to school.” – Rebecca

“Learning a skill that can help my family is very important. I learned that while mixing a cake, following directions is important and the recipe should not be changed. I also learned about being able to forgive one another, like the herdsmen that invaded our village and killed people in our community.” – Blessing

Small projects such as this one can make a lifetime of
difference for impoverished women and their families.