Tag Archives: annual report 2012

Mentor Interview: Peru

Mentor Patty of Krochet Kids Peru

Patty is the very first mentor we brought on in Peru and she has done an amazing job communicating the care and intent of our programs to the beneficiaries we work alongside. We rely heavily on local leadership to help us both understand how our work can truly have the most effective impact within new communities, as well as to communicate the significance of the program.

Below is the full-length interview we did with Patty for our 2012 Annual Report. She is amazing and after reading this you’ll know why.

Mentor: Patty Hastahuaman

What interested you in the mentor position at Krochet Kids Peru?
I found the program very interesting. It’s a program that offers support to people in a better way than I had ever seen before in a NGO. This work gives me the opportunity to not only add value to their lives, but also to be a part of the growth in their lives. I love that I will be in their lives consistently for 3-5 years so I can truly see their lives transformed.

What excites you about your current position?
Above all, I work here because I love people and everything that is good for them. People are my passion. I believe it is through individual investment that I can reach their hearts and make positive change. I feel like a person who gets to offer water to a plant and watch it grow.

What is something you didn’t expect in your role?
Something unexpected and interesting to me is that almost an entire community can experience the same misfortune, such as the community that the ladies of Krochet Kids Peru live in. There are literally hundreds in the same situation. Almost every woman has been abandoned by her parents.

How does mentorship facilitate change?
What I get to do for people is to listen and then speak truth into their hearts. In reality, they just need someone to love them, care for them, and encourage them, so they can realize their own potential.

Could you share with us a specific story of change for one of your mentees?
An example of growth in these 2 months is Evelyn Monica. She is a lady who never knew her father because she was abandoned, and her uncle abused her from a young age. This made her very fearful, full of distrust and hatred in her heart for what had happened in her life. This had a large effect on her marriage and on the way she treated her kids. She entered into the program at KKP like this, and by offering her someone to listen to her, understand her, and offer restoration for her heart. She has experienced incredible change in her life. She is now full of hope and she comes to work each day with a light on her face. She has learned to forgive her father, which has provided freedom for her and her family. Her bitterness has literally disappeared.

Mentor Interview: Uganda

Mentor Christine (right) with one of the crocheters of Krochet Kids Uganda, Akech Sunday

Mentor Christine of Krochet Kids Uganda

Below is the full-length interview we did with one of our mentors in Uganda, Christine. As we’ve mentioned before, our mentors are a crucial aspect to our programs and our ability to empower individuals to rise above poverty. They work one-on-one with a select group of the beneficiaries to contextualize the aid that we offer and make it specific to their journey toward self-reliance.

The care and intentionality in their approach is what helps give us the confidence, and the hard data, to ensure we are offering the best help possible. Read on.

Mentor: Lawil Langol Christine

What interested you in the mentor position at Krochet Kids Uganda?
Much of my experience has been working with disadvantaged populations, especially women. I saw the need for not only financial support, but psychosocial support as well. They need a shoulder to lean on and someone they can consult with and learn from. It’s my duty to support them. That is why I’m here.

We impart knowledge to them through trainings. We use a holistic approach when supporting them. This makes us unique, so many organizations focus on one thing, and leave out some things. We try to include everything.

What excites you about your current position?
Whenever I fill out a monthly progress report I’m always in awe as I see the ladies saving and focused and filled with hope to achieve more in the future. They are thriving financially, spiritually, and socially. They are being empowered.

Also, I love the team spirit of working with other mentors. This is very unique. We’re always working together. I’m also excited because I’m learning a lot here. I don’t think people are ever too old to learn.

What is something you didn’t expect in your role?
I didn’t expect to see change in such a short period of time. Within 6 months you can see so much change in a lady’s life. I’ve never been involved in a place where people don’t fall back on the organization. Here, they are actually the ones supporting others (dependents).

How does mentorship facilitate change?
It works so well because instead of us having a big group to train – mentees are given to a particular mentor, which makes sure that everyone is taken care of, no one gets left out. Every person is different and unique, so when mentors are able to have close relationships with their mentees, they are cared for in the way that can help them specifically. When problems come up – we can keep track of what’s happening and walk with them.

Could you share with us a specific story of change for one of your mentees?
After one year in the program Lamaro Pamela has gone back to school and has completed her first year of high school. When I ask her what’s driving her to pursue education: she said she can do crocheting at day and study at night. She’s paying her own school fees as well as a sibling’s in sixth grade. She’s also saved money for future use. On top of that, she’s funding her mother’s produce business so the mother can support the family.

Ever since joining KKU life has never been the same. The change is so much and they’re planning on buying new land for the family. Her future dream is to continue with her education up to university. She’s extremely focused and determined.