Helen and Kamari's Story
Helen and Kamari have been a part of Kula’s community for over 6 years, and through their infectious energy, joy and ongoing growth, continue to be an inspiration to us. They go beyond utilizing resources and support for their family’s benefit- their successes overflow to their community and pour out with contagious passion.
We first met Helen and Kamari in 2016 after their home had been destroyed by a landslide. After helping them rebuild their home in a low-risk area, we included them in our first Fellowship cohort. Previously, Helen and Kamari harvested 800 coffee trees, but according to them they were tended without good advice. After learning best farming practices in the Fellowship they saw their harvest increase, prompting them to plant an additional 300 coffee trees as well as adding some shade trees, and from this they’ve earned new income which has allowed them to pay their children’s school fees and renovate their home. But they haven’t stopped there.
Because of the program they began keeping a home vegetable garden which has been so helpful that now even other people in the community come to them to get their produce. Additionally, through the Fellowship Helen learned how to write a business plan-something that she used to pay for before joining the program-and now not only does she create her own, but she also assists neighbors who seek her out for their business planning. Personally, Helen is dedicated to serving as a local healthcare provider, giving care and advice to their community, and Kamari, always passionate about playing music, has felt the space and freedom to dedicate more of his time to it, now joining a band to play traditional instruments at local events and to keep the culture vibrant. Both of their daughters have graduated from the Kula Women’s Center as well, learning skills of their own and uniting with their parents in creating a stronger vision for their family’s future.
This summer, we will cheer on Helen and Kamari as they celebrate 25 years of marriage, continuing to grow their sphere of impact in their family and community. They were also business plan competition award winners, and through the financial investment received for their husbandry project they have Furthermore, as a result of winning a business award, Helen implemented her business of pigs farming which has grown and has for now given her a cow which they hope will give them more.
