Looking for a way to stay warm as the temperature drops? Krochet Kids has the hats you need to stay toasty and socially conscious. This brand is committed to impact and their theory of change rocks. Krochet Kids works with highly vulnerable women, who live in poverty-stricken regions of the world, training and empowering them with the resources to rise above poverty.
Here are five empowered women from Uganda and Peru who have transformed their families, and their communities.
Stories below contributed by Krochet Kids.
UGANDA:
ACAN NIGHTY
Like many Ugandans living through the civil war, Nighty grew up living in the internal displacement camps. Despite life being extremely challenging, she doesn’t let that define her or her dreams for the future. She has a positive outlook on life and believes she can accomplish anything. “To me this opportunity at KK Uganda means a change in my wellbeing in the near future. I need to work hard to meet this goal.”
DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE:
“My dream is to educate my children to a great level of intelligence.”
FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY:
“When I was young I was an excellent traditional dancer.”
DEFINE LOVE:
“Love to me is doing good for others.”
AJOK JOYCE
Joyce lost her father at a young age and was unable to finish her education because her mother could not afford it. The war brought many hardships into her life including family members being killed, food appearing scarce, and an everyday fear for her and her family’s lives. Working at KKU has enabled her to provide enough money for food, rent, and basic necessities for her family for the first time in her life.
DREAM FOR THE FUTURE
“I dream to educate my children up to the highest level because I missed out on that opportunity. I also intend to buy a sewing machine, and save as much money as possible so that I can buy a plot of land where I will rare livestock.”
HOBBIES
“As a born again Christian, I like praying and singing because these help me to forget my worries.”
MESSAGE TO KROCHET KIDS
“I thank the founders of this organization for having started this project. They should be encouraged because they are changing so many lives.”
PERU
CLAUDIA BACA
Claudia’s life has been anything but easy. Though her difficult childhood is part of her story, her dreams are what are pushing her forward. Since joining KK Peru, the workplace has become a place of refuge and a source of solid relationships in her life. Claudia is setting positive goals for herself, and she hopes to earn enough money to support her family someday.
DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE:
“Be the best mom in the world and live a quiet, simple life.”
DEFINE LOVE:
“If you do not love yourself, you cannot love others.”
MESSAGE TO SUPPORTERS:
“Learning how to make each product is a testament of what we can and will do.”
JHOVANA GUZMAN GUILLEN
Jhovana comes from a large and nurturing family. Growing up, her parents worked on the land while she and her brothers spent time pasturing the sheep. They made very little, but she enjoyed the time her family was able to spend together. After getting married, Jhovana and her husband moved to Lima for his job. She was a stay-at-home mother but desperately needed a job to help her husband with expenses. The Krochet Kids intl. program in Peru has been able to provide childcare as well as a steady income for her and her family!
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM FOR THE FUTURE:
“My plans are to run my own business, take some computer and public speaking studies, study the bible and to have a good relationship with God.”
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES:
“I like to spend time with my son, my family, my nephews and nieces.”
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO THE KKI COMMUNITY:
“I am very thankful with KKP for giving me the chance of growing through this program. I love you guys, God bless you.”
AIDA TORPOCO
Aida used to sell juice on the street before coming to work at KK Peru. Her outgoing personality and joyful spirit helped her sell her products well, but in the end she says the money she earned wasn’t enough to cover the expenses of the household. Now that she has a consistent income, training and mentorship at KKP, she is busy preparing for a future as a restaurant owner. She wants to leverage her positive attitude and knowledge of food preparation to start a restaurant for the local construction workers.
DREAMS FOR FAMILY
“I want my children to go to excellent schools. I want them to learn English so they can get good jobs.”
FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORY
“My dad worked hard for my family. One time he saved some money and purchased me a doll before I even asked for one.”
DEFINITION OF LOVE
“Love is patience and peace. It is my children, my parents, my brothers and my friends.”
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