January has been a tough month! I wrote about the loss of our Shamim a couple weeks ago.  On Saturday, 17-year-old Margret lost her baby boy shortly after his birth. With the quick action of our team and the support of our donors, she was able to deliver in a clinic. However, the baby had complications, and there is no neonatal intensive care in rural Uganda. The support and care from our team and the community will help Margret heal physically and emotionally.

Betty and the rest of the team have been very busy the past few weeks out in the communities. Well, they are always busy, but they spent some long days working on projects to improve health.  

 Sometimes I come across those who think that people in need are “waiting for a handout.” That couldn't be further from the truth based on what we see and experience in rural Uganda.

Our hearts have been heavy this week as we said goodbye to Shamim, one of our dedicated community leaders. 

 On Saturday, January 11th, our wonderful and beloved Shamim passed away at the age of 35 after a brief illness. She was a woman who had a big impact on so many in her community.  Shamim started volunteering with CLP seven years ago and was the leader of one of our women's savings groups. 

Investing in women-owned businesses in rural Uganda is one of the most successful ways that CLP is lifting families out of poverty.  We now have seven women's business and savings groups with many members who are able to support their children and send them to school.