Indonesia: Hotline 26 Mar 2007
Today, Nur Iman Gulo has a small shop and lots of customers, thanks to help from Church World Service. The simple building that serves as the shop and the home for her family of seven — including four kids and her mother-in-law — is located in Tegideu village, Sirombu, Nias Island, reports Lesvi Roselim, Church World Service-Indonesia. When an earthquake hit on March 28, 2005, their home was destroyed.
“Our house collapsed and could not be occupied anymore, and we also lost our place for business,” says Gulo.
“My relative let us stay at the small building she has, otherwise we would not have a place to live,” says the grateful Gulo.
Church World Service is helping Gulo to restart her business, which includes making fried bananas, cakes, and cookies, by providing her with ingredients, equipment, and tools, and rehabilitating the shop.
“Alhamdullilah, the business is going good and profitable,” says Gulo with satisfaction. Orders are now pouring in and she is expanding her business, and now also sells small household items.
Gulo also gathers the village women together in a savings activity. The women pool their money into savings and give small amounts out in turn to members so they can start their own businesses. “Through the activity, we are encouraged to save our money for the future,” Gulo says.
Source: Reliefweb, 26 MArch 2007