Pilot Light Foundation

✈️ We're heading back to East Africa! 🌍

Tomorrow I'm heading out to Rwanda and Uganda to visit our projects on the ground, and I couldn't be more excited. Every trip reminds me WHY we do this work. The energy, the people, the progress...it's impossible to put into words (but I'll try 😄).

Stay tuned for updates, photos, and stories from the field. This is where the magic happens. 🔥

One of Pilot Light's primary goals is that those we serve will surpass the capacity of the Village Savings and Loans group to give loans large enough to be impactful on an already thriving business. They will then transition to local microfinance institutions for their financing, which is a sign of success.

Before becoming a member of a Village Savings and Loans group 4 years ago, Anatalie was earning $136 a year growing tree tomatoes. Through a combination of loans and reinvested profits, she was able to grow the business and is now earning $1380 annually! She also bought a cow and a pig, generating over $680 from breeding her pigs in recent years.

Due to her success, Anatalie launched another business sourcing clothing and popcorn from Uganda to sell in her village, right across the border in Rwanda. This business now brings in $400 a month!

Although Anatalie is still a member of her Pilot Light group, as she finds value in the community and wants to inspire and supporting fellow members, she has also graduated to a local microfinance institution. This marks her great success!

Photo by Stephen Scott