Providing women with an income and thus independence is one of Kolping’s major concerns in Caruaru, Brazil. Thanks to your donations, more than 200 women there have already been helped to take the step towards economic independence.
When Rivoneida da Silva Sausa heard about the baking course at “Casa Kolping” a few years ago, she was living in difficult circumstances, like many women in Caruaru. Violence and dependency are part of everyday life in the structurally weak cities of Pernambuco. “Because women are financially dependent, they have few opportunities to demand respect or escape their situation,” explains project manager Adriene Ferreira Mariel.
This is exactly where KOLPING Brazil comes in with a special support program for women: they should take courage, discover their strengths, and find ways to achieve economic independence. After a year of waiting, Rivoneida received a place on the course. In the first module, she first learned to set goals and believe in herself. The second module then focused on the necessary entrepreneurial knowledge: budgeting, business plans, and customer acquisition. Only then did the practical craft follow—baking.
Successful as a cake baker
For Rivoneida, the effort was worth it. She runs a small cake bakery from home, which is flexible and close to her family. And she has also mastered the art of calculating prices: “Because I learned that, I am able to earn a good income.” Every month, she contributes around 330 euros to the family budget. Above all, however, she has gained new self-confidence. “Earning money makes me independent,” she says. One experience was particularly formative: “My husband’s account was overdrawn. But I was able to help out! That took our relationship to a new level.”
High demand for courses
There is high demand for the support courses in Caruaru. They are financed exclusively by donations, and local Kolping members engage in volunteer work to run the program. This enables more and more women to take the step towards independence. Rivoneida is extremely grateful for this opportunity: “I was shown ways in which I could improve my life, and all I had to do was seize the opportunity!”
Text: Katharina Nickoleit
Photos: Christian Nusch
