Impact

Ammu’s story

Ammu has a passion for design. At Jacob’s Well in India she has been given the freedom to follow that passion.

Life has not been easy for Ammu. She lost both her parents when she was a child and was taken in by her grandmother. Soon after she became extremely sick with tuberculosis, which made work difficult. But then hope came in form of a job at Jacobs Well, where she was offered help with her medical bills and was encouraged to develop her talent for embroidery. Five years later, with what appeared to be a bright future in front of her, Ammu left her home and job in Bangalore, and headed for Chennai with a new husband. Sadly she soon became trapped in a cycle of violence, fuelled by her husband’s alcoholism. At last unable to cope with this abuse, she escaped and returned to Bangalore where Jacobs Well found work for her again.

Ammu is becoming stronger and has learned to use a sewing machine. She loves her work and has faith that she will be able to stand independently from her husband and care for her family.

Rose’s story

When Rose’s sister died, Rose knew what she had to do. Setting aside her own financial worries, she took in her sister’s two children, caring for them as her own.

Rose and her extended family must live in a very basic house with no running water, but her job at the bead project of Jacobs Well in Uganda allows her to meet the basic needs of her six children, feeding them well and sending each of them to school.

Rose works hard and is now the supervisor of a small group of women. She is saving a little money each month and hopes soon she will have enough to buy a piglet, which she will breed in order to further improve her family’s income.

Jacobs Well businesses aim to offer employment to the poorest and most vulnerable people in the countries where they work – and they try to stick with their staff for the long-term.  They offer healthy working environments, fair wages, and skills-training. Their hope is that they will allow seeds of potential to grow in those who work with them, offering them dignity and unlocking hope.