Welfare and Self-Reliance Services Success Stories

Story 1

Achy Djite Angenor is an investment assistant at China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC).

When I returned from my mission, I set goals for myself to be self-reliant, however, things did not go the way I expected. I hunted for a job for two months without success. At a point I got lost, but somehow, I had the impression to speak with a Church leader. He counselled me to visit the WSRS [Welfare and Self-Reliance Services] manager and to learn of the WSRS tools.

I spoke with Koffi Priva, one of the WSRS managers. I received training and coaching from him. I served in his department as a volunteer while at the same time pursuing my job search. My efforts paid off when after about two months I received calls from organizations to attend job interviews. I received four job offers and I had to settle on one. I am now employed with China Harbour Engineering Company as an investment assistant.

My next goal is to improve myself through career development and to stay competitive.

I recommend the WSRS initiative to every returned missionary.

I know with faith and determination that one can tame the elements and win the prize.

Story 2

Samuel Clement Onawo’s success story was written by Bishop Ashidike Cletus of Shasha Ward, Egbeda Stake in Lagos.

I met Samuel Clement Onawo when I was serving as the first counselor in the bishopric some years ago. That was in the Akowonjo Ward. He came into the chapel one morning with another friend. Both wanted to investigate the Church. He was reserved, humble, and very eager to honestly learn the gospel.

We had some wonderful experiences that made us feel he was a promising young man. Bishop Joseph Okoronkwo took a special interest in him. Samuel got baptized weeks later in 2010.

During one of our interactions with him, it was discovered that he could not read, hence we encouraged him to attend a literacy class, which he did vigorously. He gained tremendous knowledge from the literacy class. Some months later, he indicated an interest to serve a full-time mission. There was no money to pursue this noble cause, so he decided to do any menial or domestic job to save for his pre-mission requirements. He saved as much as he could and went on a mission in 2014.

As a returned missionary, his record was found in my unit and this time I had been called to serve as the bishop of the newly created Shasha Ward. On the 29th of May 2016, he was called as the ward mission leader. I have always used him as a reference point whenever I want to share a good story.

One day, he came to talk to me about a PEF [Perpetual Education Fund] loan. l was glad to have him ask for it because I knew he was going to meet up with the requirements before and after. I gave him my full support and he got the loan.

Today, he has graduated as an electrical engineer. I attended his graduation ceremony in December 2018. He is one of the best among those who took the loan, and Brother Adebayo of the PEF management in Nigeria has not had the occasion to seek repayment. His monthly repayment was always on time.

He feels he can afford to settle down for a family life and take responsibility because he has acquired skills and education. This has been achieved already. We all see him in my unit as a progressing young man with a profound spirit of gratitude.

Story 3

Zipporah Garba of Jos District Nigeria

I grew up with the knowledge that I am creative, and I love it. As I grew up, I became more interested in the production of garments, but I needed to learn the skill of sewing to help me achieve my dreams. I enrolled in the self-reliance program and took the Education for Better Work course. I chose tailoring/fashion design and then applied for the PEF loan. That started my journey into the fashion world. It was a beautiful experience. I learned tailoring in one year and now I can make female garments in African styles and English wears. I made my first wedding dress in 2019 and have been able to create many beautiful designs and patterns.

Currently I teach draft garment patterns to some sisters from the Dogon Dutse Branch, and in my neighborhood, as my own way of giving back to my people. I do not only see myself as teaching but also as ministering. I hope that by the end of 2020 I will have created a style and standard for myself and the garments I make which will be a signature for my work because I hope that it becomes a global brand.

I am so grateful to our Heavenly Father for the privilege of the PEF. It has greatly blessed my life and put me on the pedestal of achieving all my dreams. I am prepared to pursue my dreams including all I learned in the self-reliance group meetings.

Story 4

Augustina Ogunkoru of Idogbo Branch, Sokponba Stake

Life was quite challenging as most times we had difficulties in providing for the family demands at home before I participated in the self-reliance group meeting. I was then a housewife doing nothing to support myself or the family.

During the group meetings, I learned a lot of principles, especially the need to be savings-conscious, irrespective of how small the value of money might be. I also learned about the payment of tithes, and how to know what people want to buy, which eventually informed my decision to acquire a skill in catering services.

A Perpetual Education Fund (PEF) loan was very helpful to me in achieving my goal to acquire catering skills, which has now unlocked my potential to work and earn money for myself and also to support my family from home.

I testify that our Heavenly Father has blessed everyone with talents and through self-reliance, we can be useful to ourselves and family. I never thought that I could do anything before now, but with the help of the self-reliance program, participating in group meetings, and acquiring the needed skills set, I can support myself and my family without begging for alms.

Story 5

Janet Egbo of Big Qua Town Ward, Calabar Nigeria Stake

I am a teacher by profession, I reside and work in Calabar. I have always wanted additional income because what I earned was not sufficient to support my family. I was part of the self-reliance group in my stake and I joined the Starting and Growing My Business group.

I learned a lot of principles throughout the Starting and Growing My Business group meetings, which motivated me to start a business of my own. I never knew that I could start small and grow big.

The principles I learned that gave me the guide I needed to succeed were: payment of tithing, praying, savings, budgeting, and record keeping. I was able to start with two bags of flour and a bag of sugar. Today I have rented a shop for the business.

I have a variety of commodities on my shelves, and my shop is a mini supermarket because I have most of the items that households may need.

I am indeed grateful that I heeded the call to join a self-reliance group. I now have the additional income I needed.

I am now growing my business. I keep record of my sales, use a budget, and I can save money.

I now pay my tithing and fast offering, take care of my basic needs, and that of my family members.