At sixty-three, Suzana’s dream for her family is to ensure that her six grandchildren have food on the table and study well.
In March 2024, Suzana joined Solar Sister and saw a pathway open to her dreams.
What brought Suzana to this place?
Suzana Rusakamila was born in 1961 in the village of Butundwe, Geita region in Tanzania, on the southern end of Lake Victoria. She married, and the couple farmed cotton and maize, but it was challenging because, in those days, maize was sold without a specific measure.
“We were only estimating the amount, so we often suffered huge losses.”
Her husband passed away when she was young, leaving her with their four children, ages 12 to 6 months. As the years passed, she transitioned from maize and cotton to selling sardines on the islands in Lake Victoria. She enjoys the work, but it, too, is challenging. She travels to some of the distant islands with her fish, and when she does, she gets home late, tired, and then has to walk a long distance home.
Her children grew up married and had families of their own. About ten years ago, all but one of her children became sick and died, leaving five grandchildren. Her daughter, the youngest at 32, is still alive but unable to care for her child. For nine years, Suzana has cared for her grandchildren, aged 3 to 15.
Earlier this year, she heard about Solar Sister and purchased a solar lantern so the children could study without health issues. In March, she decided to start her own business with Solar Sister.
She says that the solar business is good. Working with Solar Sister has already helped her increase her income. Currently, Suzana is focusing on her solar business. In the future, she also hopes to grow her fish business.
Known as Bibi Anna, she shares,
“My dreams and hopes are that I can be there because I still have the strength, and I would even like my grandchildren to do entrepreneurship because it pays well.”
Suzana is thankful to Solar Sister for coming into her life.
“They have brought light to my situation and increased my income in a safe way. My goals are to grow my income so that I can raise my grandchildren in a safe environment. Solar Sister is what makes me so happy.”
A special perk for Suzana:
“The product can be delivered to your home without the cost of transportation!”
* Bibi means Grandmother in Swahili.