Meet Jeanette

Jeanette’s father passed away in 2016, followed by her mother two years later due to illness. Jeanette became head of household during this very difficult time and was unable to find food for the baby. They sometimes went two days without eating. Two of Jeanette’s younger siblings dropped out of school to beg and work for food, becoming exploited as child laborers, fetching water or working in other heavy lifting jobs. Soon, the family became stigmatized within the community. Then, through the support of ZOE, Jeanette started a business selling vegetables and fruits. Jeanette planted cassava, beans, maize, sweet potatoes, coco yams and sorghum. ZOE supported Jeanette with one hoe and seeds; she also purchased land and manure on her own. Now she can buy and grow food for her siblings, eating at least one nutritious meal daily. Jeanette took a loan from the small business lending group she joined, and bought 2 pigs and 3 hens to produce manure to fertilize her crops. ZOE also provided medical insurance for the family and helped Jeanette’s siblings to re-enroll in school. Thanks to her profits, Jeanette can now support the family!