Originally posted by Bethany on the Global Hope Network International website.

It was right outside their door the whole time…

All we did was help them find it. That’s what Transformational Community Development (TCD) is all about. We believe strongly in helping people living in rural villages to be the source of their own change, the path to their own future, and develop their own source of income. Cultural relevancy is a high priority in the rural villages we serve. For many African nations, the source of income can be found in the land they own. Enjoy the below stories from GHNI leaders in Ethiopia and Kenya showing excellent examples of Transformational Community Development!

Gemal and other group members on the field

Garmaam Village, Ethiopia

Gemal is 48 years old and has three children. Until he joined an agriculture group with fellow villagers his only income was from animal husbandry. This is a tough life for the drought-ridden region. After receiving training from GHNI’s TCD workers, his eyes opened. The group worked together to install an irrigation system. In the last harvest he earned 5,730 Birr (over $300) dividends from the selling of vegetables—much more than he ever earned previously!

Garmaam’s other villagers saw the success of this agriculture group and formedtwo more groups to begin farming activities.

Group members working hard on the field

Megaladi, Ethiopia

“Suleyman and Husseyn, they are very good and strong workers. From sunrise to sunset they are working hard in the field,” says a GHNI-Ethiopia leader.

Previously these men were working on a railway project. They received TCD training from GHNI and realized one day the railway project would be done and they would be left without income. So, they decided to work with our TCD workers in search of a sustainable form of work—agriculture. Now the group has grown to 22 villagers working together on two hectares (five acres) of land.

Mrs. Claudia’s family

Shambani Village, Kenya

Mrs. Claudia and her family are working hard on their new small farm in Shambani. As a result, their daily income has gone from almost nothing to 150 Kenyan shillings ($2); over double the local average.

Mr. Sora Bukate is a role model!

Bulesa Dima Village, Kenya

Mr. Sora is a champion and a role model to his village. He is now a self-employed man and is even creating jobs for others who come and work in his two hectares of land every week! His life has been transformed and now he is very happy to teach other farmers to be more successful like himself.

Mr. Sora is not only feeding his family and supplying for their necessities but he also supports the economy of Isiolo town when he sells his farm products. This has motivated many farmers to work hard and want to know the secret behind his success. Mr. Sora is so grateful for the knowledge he has gained, and is willing to help others with it!

Only $40 will provide one more person with basic farm tools, like a shovel, axe, and hoe.

Would you consider helping, one, two or more people begin farming activities by providing funds for basic tools?