WCFJC News

May, 2009

Goat Program:
This month we recognize the generous support of the George Mason University’s Department of Gender Studies, Fairfax, Virginia, USA. Through that department’s fundraising efforts this year, we have received a total of US$ 1,855 which will purchase 37 local she-goats for 37 beneficiaries. To date, 14 goats have been purchased with this contribution. The balance of 23 goats will be purchased as soon as another community group meets the WCFJC requirements.

We also take the opportunity to appreciate Brenda and Greg Jones of Pasadena, California, USA whose generous contribution will be used to purchase 20 local she-goats for Kisakye Women’s Group. The women in question underwent training in March 2009 and are currently working to meet WCFJC’s requirements in order to qualify for a local she-goat.

Our goat spraying initiative has gone a long way in improving animal health. Although beneficiaries initially resisted our request that they pay for the spraying service, they are now getting used to the idea. In the month of June we conducted a total of 681 sprayings at US $ 0.05 each, realizing US$ 34.05. This might seem like a small achievement but it is incredibly significant in teaching beneficiaries that they need to put money back into any business they run.

Finally, the WCFJC herd grew in size this month with the birth of 4 cross-bred goats.

Poultry Program:
To date, 6 beneficiaries have met the requirements to participate in Phase II:

• Construct an approved poultry house

• Provide sufficient funds to purchase the number of day-old chicks they would like to raise. Beneficiaries have raised a total of US$ 595, which will purchase 595 day-old chicks.

Day-old chicks will be purchased and distributed in July 2009.

Hair Salon Program:
It has become apparent that the beneficiaries in Mwesigwa Hair Salon are not rigorous in keeping a record of their expenses and income resulting in gross under reporting. During the months ahead, this will be the focus of our work with them. The earnings they report in 2009 are as follows:

Water Program:
Given the growing number of livestock as well as the increase in farming activities among WCFJC beneficiaries, WCFJC is partnering with Butagaya Sub-County’s Local Council and the Jinja District Water Department, to obtain government funded boreholes in all communities where WCFJC has projects. WCFJC beneficiaries will be expected to raise a fraction of the required funds amongst themselves.