TechnoServe’s work with people fighting poverty around the world is full of striking stories and images. Each month, we share a few of our favorite photos from the everyday beauty of our clients’ journeys toward better incomes and better futures.
Our selection for the Photo of the Month for February 2024 shares the common threads of love, caring, and community–be it the love between a hardworking couple to build their business, the care that a group of women puts into growing rare roses, or the role of one person in helping his community connect to the world.
Explore these images for stories about people who care and vote for the one that touched your heart!
A future in bloom
Roses are by far the most popular floral gift around the world to mark Valentine’s Day on February 14. TechnoServe helped Floricultura El Clavel, a women’s group in Honduras, build a small greenhouse to grow roses and carnations with the support of United States Department of Agriculture funds. In this photo, a Lenca elder holds a sample of 3,600 high-demand rose varieties that she helped to grow. The women produce approximately 240 dozen roses every month, enough to provide additional income to the group.
Related content: Read more about our work in Honduras
A true work-life balance
“At home, he is the husband and the father, and he gets to decide many things. But when we come to the shop, we are business partners and must agree on decisions,” shared Jennifer Waruinu in response to a question of how it was to work with her husband, George Ndirangu. The married couple saw their profits increase and their business grow after Jennifer applied the training she received from TechnoServe’s Smart Duka program. After joining the program, Turning Point’s monthly sales jumped by 30%, and profits increased by an average of 17%.
Related blog post: Making success happen together
Creating a community connection
Nyima Dhondup (standing, top right) helps young Tibetan children connect to the internet in his cybercafe in Doeguling Tibetan Settlement in the Indian state of Karnataka. Dhondup won TechnoServe’s business plan competition as part of the Economic Development of Tibetan Settlements program in 2013. He used the prize money to buy computers, and TechnoServe’s advisors helped him launch and market his business in the community. He was among 60 other prospective and established Tibetan entrepreneurs who received intensive business training, mentoring, and advisory support. “I would like to set up cafes in other settlements or be able to invest money in other Tibetan businesses,” said Dhondup.
Related blog post: Explore more profiles of Tibetan entrepreneurs
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We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the lives of people building better futures for the people and places they love! TechnoServe is proud to be part of the success stories of people like Dhondup and Jennifer.
With your support, we can offer our clients the skills, connections, and confidence they need to improve their incomes, create self-sustaining businesses, and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
Thank you for believing everyone deserves an opportunity to build a better life. Learn how you can continue to make a difference.
