Giving Thanks and Looking Forward
All over the world, Amani ya Juu centers are wrapping up after another full year and looking forward to good things in the coming year. Here are a few words from the Country Directors at each of our centers on why they are thankful for 2012 and what they hope to accomplish in 2013.
Simprosa[/caption]
“We are so thankful that we have secured and moved into a building. Also, we have purchased a phone, so now customers are able to communicate with us.
Sarah[/caption]
“We are thankful for the successful transfer of the US Warehouse from DC to Chattanooga and the smooth transition of several new members of our US staff.
Now that the distribution operation has moved to Chattanooga, Amani DC's little space will focus on local retail and outreach opportunities. We're excited to see our dream of extending training opportunities to area women become a reality this year. And we'll be focusing on branding as 'AmaniDC', a boutique supporting the Amani centers in Africa."
- Sarah, AmaniDC
Goreth[/caption]
- Goreth, Amani Burundi
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Joanna[/caption]
“I find myself thanking God daily for new people who find out about the message of Amani and respond by pouring their time, resources, and prayer into our center.
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We are hopeful for new sales so we can see employment grow at our Africa centers.”
- Joanna, Amani Chattanooga
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Joyce[/caption]
"We celebrate the growth in the size of checks we write to the Amani women. People generally do not celebrate paying out, but we are ecstatic. The women have more money in their pockets and therefore are better able to feed, clothe and care for their families.
We would like to reach more women in the greater Nairobi area. This will mean growing our partnerships and possibly beginning a smaller center, allowing us to reach women who otherwise would not have opportunities like this because of long distances.”
- Joyce, Amani Kenya
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Hannah[/caption]
“We have finished the renovation of the building, minus a few details, and are in full production in our new center. Also, the Amani Girls Club now reaches over 100 girls in the community!
We are hopeful that we will be able to streamline export, which is difficult because the center is tucked away in a small town many hours outside of the capital. We also hope to have a game plan for tackling the roads in the rainy season. This will allow us to expand and reach more women!”- Hannah, Amani Liberia