One such beneficiary, Josephine Lakot, was left as an orphan at just 5 years old when her mother died of AIDS, having also transmitted the disease to Josephine. Josephine gave birth to a daughter at a young age but was abandoned by the father of the child. Josephine remembers: “soon I was doing badly in terms of health as my condition was worsening with no support. I had a series of problems including food, clothing and medication shortage for me and my baby.” However, Josephine’s group, Youth Arise, was awarded a grant by ACTED and their flourishing restaurant now provides her with a steady income to buy food for her and the baby. However, the groups mean more than just income generation, says Josephine: “I have also been able to find a sense of belonging and togetherness from the group. In addition, the group members are helping me in problem solving and counseling and I am hoping that the future will be brighter with this progress.”

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