Murline Gedeon, a 25-year-old woman entrepreneur, lives in a household of four, including her sister, husband, and stepson.
The Problem:
Murline Gedeon, a 25-year-old woman entrepreneur, lives in a household of four, including her sister, husband, and stepson. One significant challenge she faced was the lack of a freezer, which prevented her from starting a small business selling frozen goods. This limitation severely impacted her ability to generate income and improve her family’s living conditions. In her community, people had to travel to another small area to buy soft drinks or natural juices, causing inconvenience and highlighting the broader issue of inadequate infrastructure and resources.
Impact on the Community:
The lack of access to frozen goods affected the entire community. The inconvenience of traveling to another area for basic needs like cold beverages underscored the challenges faced by many families in the village. This issue was not isolated to Murline’s family but was a common problem affecting many residents’ quality of life.
Work of Fonkoze and the Partner:
Fonkoze, in collaboration with its partner, addressed this issue by conducting a thorough survey in the community. They visited Murline’s home and asked detailed questions to understand her needs and challenges. Following the survey, Murline attended a workshop in Okoto where the program’s benefits and processes were explained. This comprehensive approach ensured that Fonkoze could provide tailored support to meet the specific needs of the community.
Support Provided:
Fonkoze and their partner provided Murline with a 5 cubic feet Westpoint freezer, which costs 43,800 gourdes. This support was crucial as it enabled her to start her small business selling frozen goods, which would have been cost-prohibitive without their assistance. The provision of the freezer not only helped Murline but also benefited the entire community by providing easier access to essential goods.
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