To COC Pittwater

Dear Pittwater Church,

Thank you so much for the money you saved in March missions for International Support Aid, and the work I am doing here in Uganda. It is such a blessing to be able to sow into other people’s lives on your behalf.

Some of the money went towards buying furniture for Nalongo, who is the mother of one of our sponsor children. She wants to set up a restaurant in Bugembe, the trading centre near the village where I live.

The majority has been used to create a contract with Juliet Fashion and Design Boutique, an existing tailoring shop situated in Wairaka. The workers are seeking to further establish the shop, and I have been watching them in church and at their work for about eight (8) months. During this time I have attended two short business seminars with them, which particularly enhanced their understanding of cash books and business planning.

The contract is between Pittwater Church, via Emily Comans, and Juliet Muwanguzi (shop owner, left) and Irene Mwesigwa (work colleague, right). The equivalent of $200 a month will be given from November 2008 to February 2009, totaling to $800. This is to be invested in capacity increasing products, such as better materials, mannequins, and threads. In this way, the Church’s investment will have a long-term benefit on the productivity of the Boutique, and savings made can continue to be invested after the 800,000/= has been used. I have given the contract as a gift of investment, not a loan, on the conditions that there is open communication regarding the Boutique’s plans, finances and struggles.

The overall purpose is to provide capital for investment to further establish systematic business habits: accountability, investment, savings and ultimately income growth.

I hope you feel and know the long-term benefit you are having on these individuals, their families, and the resource and service availability of the Wairaka community. Please pray for Juliet and Irene’s creativity, wisdom and continued integrity in advancing the business.