Jane Gathoni, aged 70, is an active and devoted member of the Karai Support Group, which she joined in 2011. She is also a loving guardian to her two grandchildren, who live with her and have greatly benefited from the programs of ASN Upendo Village.

Jane’s journey of empowerment began when she became a beneficiary of a solar lamp and a dairy goat—two life-changing gifts that transformed her household and daily living.

In 2013, she received the solar lamp from ASN Upendo Village. Living in a rural area without electricity, the solar lamp became her main source of light and has served her faithfully for years. It provided her grandchildren with reliable lighting for their studies at night, contributing to their academic success.

The lamp also brought financial relief to Jane’s household. Previously, she spent about Ksh 800 per month on paraffin, but the solar light eliminated this expense, allowing her to redirect the savings toward food, school fees, and other essential needs.

As a beneficiary of a dairy goat, Jane’s empowerment grew even further. The goat produced milk for her family’s nutrition and offspring that helped her start a small livestock venture. She sold the male kids and used the proceeds to purchase a dairy cow and sheep, expanding her interest in animal rearing.

Her dairy cow now provides milk for both family consumption and sale, helping her earn extra income. The manure from her livestock enriches her small garden, where she grows vegetables such as kales for household use and sale, further improving her food security.

Jane’s solar lamp, goat, and livestock ventures symbolize the practical impact of empowerment programs — improving not only her quality of life but also that of her grandchildren.

She remains deeply grateful to ASN Upendo Village for the dairy goat, solar lamp, monthly nutrition supplements, health talks, and ongoing empowerment that have made her self-reliant and financially stable.

Jane’s story is a shining example of how sustainable, community-based initiatives can transform lives — one small gift at a time.

It is our hope that more clients continue to be empowered and become self-dependent, breaking the cycle of poverty.