How one grandmother's bold move changed a whole family — and their future
Veronica was 80 years young when she took on an unlikely new challenge — to become an entrepreneur.
For decades, this proud mother of five and grandmother of six, along with her husband Antonio, had raised chickens at their home in rural Kenya, selling some here and there to make meager ends meet. But when she heard about TOLI’s microloan program, she began to dream of something bigger.
So in 2019, despite the fact she had never learned to read, Veronica signed up for TOLI’s Business Basics Course through her community-based savings group. Her husband and daughter-in-law, Judy, joined her. The course, which is designed for learners of all levels, gave them practical tools for growing a thriving small business, and the Biblical foundations to integrate their work with faith in Jesus.
After finishing the course, Veronica and Judy were granted microloans of about $250 each to invest in poultry inventory and the equipment needed to grow their businesses.
Now 18 months later, what started as a family flock of a few dozen chickens is today a full-fledged poultry operation, numbering more than 850 chickens between them. They rear birds for eggs and meat, and have expanded to both wholesale and retail sales.
Veronica and Antonio have been married for 58 years.
Antonio loves to brag about the power of TOLI’s training and how it changed their life.
“The way he talks about TOLI is like magic,” says their TOLI Social Worker, who has walked alongside the family throughout the program. Antonio now spends time teaching and mentoring his kids and grandkids in the poultry business, passing his know-how and vision to the next generation.
As for Veronica, she admits this whole venture was a risk at first. But she wasn’t afraid.
“If you fear doing something, you’ll never do it. But God will do it through you. God does not want people to fear.”
“If you fear doing something, you’ll never do it,” she says. But if you take the risk and believe, then “God will do it through you. God does not want people to fear.”
What’s most remarkable about Veronica and Antonio’s story is not their risk-taking, their late-in-life success, or their newfound financial security. What's most remarkable is how they show us that big dreams unfold one brave step at a time, through one person at a time, and — with God’s help — have the power to change generations to come.
Antonio with some of their flock. They hope to add a second story to this chicken coop and double their inventory.
Veronica is the mother of five and grandmother of six.
Veronica's daughter-in-law, Judy, shows off her completed Business Basics Workbook.
JOIN US FOR TOLI TUESDAY.
TOLI Tuesdays are a unique time to meet TOLI staff around the world to pray for them and their clients. This month, we welcome a team of three social workers — Lucy, Judy, and Hellen — working with TOLI clients in Kenya, including Veronica and her family! They will share updates from the field and prayer requests for their ministry. You'll also hear the latest prayer needs and updates from our other locations around the world.
WHEN: Tuesday JUNE 8, 12pm MT on Zoom
Email Liza for your Zoom link. Or join the Prayer Team here to get prayer reminders straight in your inbox.