Jennifer Mwesigye
Several years ago, Jennifer Mwesigye discovered an abandoned baby in the African bush. She took the child home and raised him as her own, naming him, appropriately, Moses. Loans from Opportunity International have allowed Jennifer to support her family — and others — through eight businesses she has built.
With a small ladies’ clothing business and only one sewing machine, Jennifer used to agonize each month over how to provide for her seven children. But life changed after her first Opportunity loan and her ability to diversify. Her first decision was to purchase a second sewing machine. She then started making men’s clothing as well as women’s.
Now on her seventh loan, Jennifer has a sewing business, 50 cows, three rental apartments and five motorcycles in a taxi business. She has adopted five AIDS orphans, including Moses. Counting her employees and their families, Jennifer’s businesses employ 57 children and adults. As the only woman on her local community council, Jennifer has helped remove legal barriers to women owning businesses and property. She also routinely mentors other local entrepreneurs.
Just as Jennifer provided life and hope for Moses, she is a beacon of hope for her community.
