In 2015, Everlyne’s life took a turn when she was enrolled in the UKR program. At the time, she was
struggling financially as a widow with nine children.
Everlyne’s situation was dire. Her family lived in poverty, with her children in tattered clothes
and sometimes going to bed hungry. She recalls that villagers often laughed because she was a
drunkard and her house was in bad shape. She references that she lost her dignity in the
community because village looked down on her children.
Fast forward, UKR coming into her life turned out to be a huge blessing. The guidance and
advice from UKR field officers were invaluable. The field officers’ insights on goal-setting and
consistency motivated Everlyne to step out of her comfort zone and embrace new
opportunities.
UKR’s support brought substantial change. UKR supported her construct a new house, toilet
and bathroom which raised her social status in the community. She was also boosted with
capital to support his maize selling livelihood venture to villagers. Everlyne’s home changed
significantly. With the profits she earned, she bought furniture and a storage cabinet.
“I now feel a part of the community because of how dignified my home has become. The
house, kitchen, latrine, and bathroom built by UKR have given me the confidence to attend
social gatherings,” she laughed.
Her children are also making steady progress academically thanks to the educational support
UKR accorded the family. Everlyne’s children are now attending school comfortably. Newton is
studying welding at Mulaha County Polytechnic and eagerly anticipates creating masterpieces
in his field. Ruth and Dancun are in high school, while the younger four children are still in
primary school.
Everlyne is proud of the progress she has made with her land, which now provides ample food
and even surplus that can be stored. She regrets how she used to lease out her fertile land for
minimal returns, but now she cherishes its productivity and the stability it brings to her family.
It is these acts of kindness from UKR that Everlyne attests that her life has taken a turn for the
better. She says that she can now be a counted member of the society and that her dignity has
been restored.
