“…I am …, a [former] farmer, widow, and mother of six children. I had not [attended school] because, in my family, the privilege … was given more to boys than girls. When I was 17, I … married…. After fourteen years of marriage, my husband passed away, and my husband’s family [destroyed] [my]property, including the field [ed. note – they blamed Ngoyi for her husband’s illness and considered her responsible for his death]. It was painful; I had no means to feed and educate my children. … I [then] heard [from my pastor] of AlfaCongo, a non-profit organization that deals with literacy for adults…. After spending ten months … learning in AlfaCongo, I applied for the position of treasurer at a community development mutual society* in our community…. I was elected….
“Thanks to my training in AlfaCongo, today, I have my salary, which allows me to feed and educate my children. [In addition,] I have the privilege of attending meetings … with the notable leaders of our community, something I could never [have] dream[ed] of [doing] in my life. I am participating in …. with various partners who help [our community]. I am so thankful to AlfaCongo and Alfalit International for the opportunity; my life changed; [and] today, I am useful to society….”
* Civic minded individuals who work together to advocate for the development and improvement of living conditions in their community.
