Meet Dorothy, who Turned Firewood into a Future

My name is Gonza Dorothy, and I am a proud entrepreneur today—but this journey began with a simple opportunity. I was fortunate to attend a business training organized by Global Village Connect, and it completely changed the way I saw my environment and my own potential.

I had always wanted to start a business, but I lacked the knowledge and confidence. During the training, I learned how to identify local needs, calculate profits, manage finances, and market products. That’s when I noticed something I had overlooked: schools, restaurants, and households in my community all struggled to find firewood.

With just $10, I took a bold step and started supplying firewood. At first, I sold only to schools and restaurants, but soon individuals began buying for cooking and heating water. Word spread, and the demand grew.

Today, I earn about $1.60 a day. It may seem small, but to me it means everything. I can put food on the table, meet basic needs, and support my children and grandchildren. I no longer depend on others—I have regained a sense of dignity and independence. My grandchildren look up to me, and I feel proud knowing I’m building a legacy for them.

The journey isn’t always easy—sometimes supply is low or weather makes transport difficult—but I now have the skills to manage challenges. What keeps me going is the knowledge and inspiration I gained from Global Village Connect.
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Thank you, Global Village Connect, for opening my eyes and giving me the confidence to begin. My life has truly been elevated.

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Just $300—or $25 a month for a year—covers the tuition for a six-month entrepreneurship program and enables another parent to feed and send her children to school, like it did for Dorothy. 
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