Nonye Nwarienne from Amankpu village is a 45 year old caregiver (widow) with three vulnerable (VC) children enrolled along with other 4075 VCs enrolled by WEWE-LOPIN 2 project in Awka North LGA of Anambra State. Nonyelum lost her husband in 2014 to a protracted illness that drained the family income. His death left her with the responsibility of caring for three children from the little proceeds flowing from her pap business. Today, the first child is 15 years old while the youngest is only 2 years old. USAID–funded WEWE-LOPIN 2 project supported Nonyelum to expand her business and she is now able to provide for her children.
Nonyelum preparing Pap
USAID-funded LOPIN-2 project supported Nonyelum with a 25kg bag of maize to expand and sustain her pap (a custard level meal made out of corn consumed by children and adult) business. Through LOPIN-2 program, Nonyelum was also trained in financial management skills. The skills have helped her to increase her business from half bag to a full bag within 6 months. She is also a member of the Village Savings and Loans Association and she is saving ₦2000 (two thousand naira) about USD6.45 monthly. In addition, proceed from the business is able to pay for health care and school fees and food.
Aside from being able to provide for her family, the support from USAID has broadened Nonye’s entrepreneur skills; she is now hoping to venture into frying of akara (bean cake) along with the pap. Nonye has this to say “I am very thankful to USAID for the support, it has not only changed my life it is impacting many families…. Every morning I ride my bicycle across the seven villages in Mgbakwu community with confidence that my pap will make a nutritious breakfast for a child and I am hoping to get a motorbike so that I can reach more families”.
