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UTALE LEPROSY VILLAGE SHOP REPORT
BACKGROUND
As one way of generating income for the village the idea was conceived by the management of the leprosy village to establish a small shop as a business venture on its way to sustainability. Utale is located in a very rural and remote area, as a result the availability of essential and basic commodities such as sugar, soap, salt, cooking oil, etc, is difficult to acquire. The community around walk long distances to access essential and basic goods, therefore, the management took this as golden opportunity to set up a small shop with the help of LUV, a registered charity from Scotland as an income generating activity.
The opening of the shop was a welcomed development both the beneficiaries(leprosy victims) themselves and the community around. This has made life better for the community around since they are able to access their needs within the area. The proceeds go a long way in assisting in the day to day running of the centre.
MANAGEMENT OF THE SHOP
The committee was formed to oversee the management of the shop, and committee is composed of myself, Fr. F. Kachere, the director of the village, Sr. Enestina Sayenda, the Sister-incharge, Mr. Mathias Mafunga, the leprosy control assistant and two members of the leprosy village. We employed one shop assistant and one watchman, we are able to pay them from the proceeds generated from the shop. Cash for the daily sales are kept by Sr. Enestina and we bank them every Friday in village account. The requisition of goods is made by the shop assistant at the end of the week.
THE PERFORMANCE SINCE ITS OPENING
Since the shop opened its doors on 27th April 2010, it has experienced tremendous and steady growth both in patronage and in stock of commodities. It is serving quite big catchment area and communities around are happy since the opening of the shop has alleviated some of their problems more especially by cutting the distance they used travel to acquire basic necessities. At the same time the shop is assisting the beneficiaries in so many ways especially in providing basic necessities. It is also source of pride to beneficiaries(leprosy victims) by the fact that they take it as something of their own. It is pleasing to see the pride on their faces, it gives joy and satisfication.