Implemented from 2005 to 2013-2014, ECEWS through funding support from Nkan Uforo Iban Akwa Ibom State USA Inc., provided seed grants to 51 ultra-poor women across several key markets in Akpan Andem, Uyo, Abak, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, and Oron areas in Akwa Ibom. The modest subsidies to expand their businesses and expand their businesses, fostering economic empowerment.
FROM ADVOCACY AMONG KEY STAKEHOLDERS TO COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION AND SENSITIZATION TO BENEFICIARY IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION, CAPACITY BUILDING IN BASIC BUSINESS PRACTICES, SEED GRANTS DISBURSEMENT, AND THEN SUPPORT FOR THE MARKET ASSOCIATION, HERE ARE FEATURED TESTIMONIALS FROM SOME BENEFICIARIES AT ORON MARKET.
“Since having my leg amputated, I had been battling even more as a Person with Disability (PWD). It became hard to survive as I barely had enough money for my family and I to eat well. I was living on luck and a little assistance from here and there. The ECEWS-Nkan Uforo Iban Association, to my surprise, gave me a huge sum of #50,000! With the money, I started selling garri in bags right away and increased my purchases of crayfish and palm oil. I was also able to pay for my shop comfortably. I really thank God for sending me this assistance through ECEWS. My family and I can now afford to eat three times a day. If other PWDs were empowered the same way as ECEWS has, we could easily take care of ourselves despite neglect from our families and societies. ECEWS has chosen to make a difference by economically empowering me. I am overjoyed.”
“Before the Nkan Uforo Iban group helped me, life was really hard. I am a 71-year-old widow from Oro Nation in Akwa Ibom State. I had ten grandchildren to take care of, but I struggled to find enough food for all of us. I could only sell a little bit of fish each day, which didn’t give us enough money. I felt really sad and hopeless. But then the Nkan Uforo Iban group came to help. They gave me #50,000 to start a fish business. I learned how to sell fish better and got more customers. Now, my grandchildren can go to school, and we can eat three meals a day. I am so thankful to the Nkan Uforo Iban group for giving me a new chance in life.”
“Doing business became very difficult after my husband died living me alone to take care of seven (7) children. I was engaged in the sales of crayfish and melon but things became tough for me after then. The children were unable to attend classes in school because at that point I could not pay their fees anymore nor even afford to take good care of them. My turnaround came when ECEWS through the Nkan Uforo Iban supported me with #50,000. It felt like a dream. I had promised them that I will not squander the fund so I invested the money into my business. I have seen my business grow after the support and I feel very happy. My children are back in school, and surviving is no more hard. Thank you ECEWS. Thank you Nkan Uforo Iban.”
