GIVING BRIGHT FUTURES TODAY

Meet Teresia, a resilient woman from Kiamuringa village in Gachoka location, Embu County who has defied adversity to secure a brighter future for her family. With five children to care for, Teresia took on the role of the family's sole provider, juggling various income streams from poultry and miraa farming to brick manufacturing. Her determination knew no bounds as she aspired to become a landlady in her community.

In Kiamuringa, a semi-arid region, clean water was once a distant dream. Villagers had to trek two kilometers in search of boreholes, which often ran dry. To ensure her children's access to water, Teresia's young ones would wake up at 4 am daily to avoid the long queues, forcing Teresia's children to rise before dawn, braving long queues, their education hanging by a thread. Moreover, the exposed boreholes posed health risks due to waterborne diseases. 

Frustrated by this situation, Teresia turned to BIMAS microfinance. She had been a loyal member for years, securing loans to nurture her miraa, poultry, and brick businesses. She recognized that hens, miraa, and brickmaking all demanded copious amounts of water for success. In January 2021, a ray of hope emerged as Teresia learnt that BIMAS was offering financing for water tanks to its customers. She seized this opportunity and secured a Ksh 27,000 loan to purchase and install a 4,000-liter water tank in her home. Additionally, BIMAS assisted her in acquiring a water pump worth Ksh 50,000. These investments proved to be game-changers, allowing her to operate her businesses seamlessly even during dry seasons.

Today, Teresia's life has undergone an admirable transformation. She is not only a content mother but also a generous neighbor who shares her reservoir's abundance with the community. Her children's education has significantly improved as they can now focus on their studies without the burden of water-fetching. Furthermore, access to clean water has enhanced their health and overall well-being.

Teresia's entrepreneurial spirit has thrived with BIMAS's support, leading to the establishment of a rental business on her property. Her success story is a proof to how access to clean water can unlock opportunities and improve lives. With a radiant smile, she expresses her gratitude, saying, "BIMAS has brought joy into my life, and I am delighted to see my neighbors benefit as well. I eagerly look forward to securing financing for another 6,000-liter water tank for my rental premises."

Teresia's journey to water prosperity is an inspiration to us all.