The scarcity of employment opportunities in Northern Uganda makes it difficult forthe growing population to clothe and feed their families. Many in poverty have ideas for generating income, but don’t have the money or resources to turn their dreams into reality. The average annual income for a Ugandan family is only $300, but new opportunities for economic empowerment are becoming possible through PEER SERVANTS (PS). PS works with partners in the poor regions of Northern Uganda to provide micro-loans for resilient, hard-working people. Many of the entrepreneursuse their profits to better the lives of others in their communities. For example, one seamstress has taught 24 students the trade. Another businessman, born with adisability, employs two disabled women and can now send his children to school. Since 2005, PS has provided over 1,000 business loans in Uganda. Micro-loans are a widely recognized strategy to fight poverty and create opportunities.

This family was able to open a general store and start a tailoring business with a micro-loan’s help.