“Next week I will come again.”
In his village, Francis was once known for all the wrong reasons. A husband, a father of four, and a farmer, Francis had become deeply trapped in alcohol abuse. Whatever little he harvested from his garden was often sold to buy alcohol. Violence became common in his home, and fear slowly replaced love. His children were frequently sent home from school because fees went unpaid, and his wife, Brenda, lived under constant emotional and physical distress.
Francis admits that he had lost control of his life. He had lost respect in the community, peace in his home, and hope for his future.
When Otem Collective introduced Parent Support Groups and Savings Groups in his village, Francis attended the first session for the wrong reasons, as he believed free items were being distributed. He arrived drunk and disrupted the meeting.
Many would have dismissed him that day, but instead, it was the beginning of something new. As facilitators calmed the situation and continued the session, Francis began to listen. Something stirred in him. At the end of the training, he surprised everyone by speaking up.
“Do you think I am happy with what I do?” he asked. “Next week I will come again. I want to learn how to keep my home.”
Despite everything, Francis had not lost his desire for family.
Francis continued attending the family strengthening trainings, which focused on responsible parenting, child development, conflict resolution, financial discipline, and savings. Slowly, the lessons began to take root.
During one of the sessions, Francis made a personal decision that changed the direction of his life. He accepted Jesus and began attending church regularly. He stopped drinking and committed himself to rebuilding his family. The change became visible—not just in his behavior, but in his relationships, his outlook, and even his appearance.
Today, Francis no longer brings fear into his home. Instead, he is a source of stability, guidance, and hope.
Through the savings group, Francis also began saving consistently, something he never imagined he could do. With mentorship and regular follow-up, he learned how to plan, save with purpose, and use money responsibly.
In December 2025, Francis reached a milestone that once felt impossible. He completed and moved into a brick, iron-roofed house, a sign of stability in an area where most families live in grass-thatched and mud huts.
His children now attend school consistently, and household income is no longer spent on alcohol, but invested in education, farming, and the well-being of his family.
Reflecting on his journey, Francis shared, “Leaving alcohol has made me look younger. I have saved and now live in a permanent (brick) house. My children attend school, and I am experiencing a renewed love from my wife.”