Introduction
My name is Indo H. Audu, a 43-year-old mother of five from Tawakiri community in Makarfe LGA, Kaduna State. I work as a primary school teacher at LEA Tawakiri. Being a teacher has its rewards, but it also comes with significant challenges, especially when it comes to financial stability.
The Problem: Financial Struggles of a Teacher
As a teacher, I often find myself among the least paid and neglected government workers. We face irregular salary payments, sometimes going 4-5 months without receiving any wages. This inconsistency puts immense strain on my family. As a mother of five, managing household expenses and providing for my children without a steady income has been extremely difficult. Whenever I do receive my salary, it mostly goes towards repaying debts accumulated during the months of non-payment. This cycle of debt and repayment made it hard to see a way out.
Impact on Daily Life
The financial instability affected every aspect of our daily lives. Basic needs like food, school fees, and healthcare were constant worries. The stress of not knowing when the next paycheck would come left me feeling helpless and anxious. My family needed a reliable source of income to break free from this cycle.
RURCON’s Intervention
Two years ago, RURCON came to Tawakiri community, offering training that brought a sigh of relief and new hope. They taught us how to market agricultural produce, maintain proper bookkeeping, and adopt modern methods of poultry, cattle rearing, and grain sales. This training provided us with practical skills and knowledge to start and manage our businesses.
Indo’s Transformation
Motivated by the training, I borrowed N60,000 to open a food items shop. I began selling grains, palm oil, and other food items. The business took off quickly, and within a month, I had made enough profit to pay my son’s school fees. Customers from all over Tawakiri started coming to my shop, and my sales continued to grow.
Comparing my earnings from the shop to my salary, I realized that my monthly profits from the business far exceeded what I earned as a teacher. Now, I no longer rely solely on my inconsistent salary. I save N5000 monthly, and by the end of the first year, I used my savings to buy two cattle for N50,000. After the cattle gave birth, I sold one for N35,000, reinvested in more cattle, and expanded my business.
Challenges and Resilience
Despite facing challenges like high inflation rates and rising fuel prices, I kept pushing forward. The skills and knowledge gained from RURCON’s training helped me navigate these difficulties and continue growing my business.
Positive Outcomes
Thanks to RURCON, I can now comfortably feed my family and pay for my children’s education. My financial situation has improved drastically, and I no longer depend solely on my salary. My success story has inspired hope within me and my community.
Personal Reflections
Reflecting on my journey, I deeply thank RURCON for their support and training. They have helped me break free from the cycle of poverty and achieve financial independence. Now, I can provide a better life for my family and contribute positively to my community.
Community Impact and Future Hopes
The impact of RURCON’s project in Tawakiri has been profound. Many community members see the positive changes in my life and express a desire to join the program. I hope and pray that RURCON’s project will be sustained and extended to other communities within Makarfe, so more people can benefit from the life-changing training.