North Georgia's Zoe Empowers Partners Graduate
5/7/2023
Members of the Imani Kiborione Group at their graduation ceremony.
In 2020, a group of orphaned and vulnerable children were brought together and told that some people very far away not only thought they deserved a better life, but believed in their ability to become self-sufficient and even to become leaders in their community. It was hard for them to fully grasp what the future could hold, but Zoe helped them dream and then taught them how to achieve their dreams.
Your generosity provided the resources to make those dreams come true.
The North Georgia Conference has enjoyed partnering with Zoe Empowers, Kenya for many years. This incredibly transformational ministry empowers orphaned and vulnerable children to become entrepreneurs who are socially, economically, and spiritually strong. Zoe understands that addressing multiple barriers simultaneously is the only way to overcome extreme poverty. (Read about Zoe at https://zoeempowers.org/)
By creating opportunities for vulnerable youth to become skilled, healthy, and connected community members, Zoe not only solves the core issue of extreme poverty but eliminates the need for endless aid.
Take time to read the final report of the Imani "Faith" Kiborione Empowerment Group in Kenya who we in the North Georgia Conference have covered in prayer and provided with funding to support their program from January 2020 to December 2022.
FINAL REPORT Imani Faith Kiborione Empowerment Group (PDF)
This report outlines these young people's accomplishments along with a letter from the group to you. What they have been able to achieve is especially impressive considering they did this while also dealing with the challenges of Covid-19. Fortunately, not only were they able to start businesses, but they were also taught how to adapt to changing markets, connected to community resources, and encouraged to have a savings account.
"We have such admiration for this group! They are an answer to our prayers," said Rev. Scott Parrish, North Georgia Conference mission specialist. "Join me in continuing to pray for them as we see what a blessing they are to their families, to their community, and to the world. It is an incredible honor for us to have some small role in this partnership."
North Georgia United Methodists are encouraged to continue praying for our newest Zoe group, the Umoja “Unity’’ Thuuru Empowerment Group, Kenya. Read their first-year report here: FIRST YEAR Report Umoja “Unity’’ Thuuru Empowerment Group (PDF)