At sixty six, Mrs. Jennifer Cunji radiates the calm confidence of someone who has walked life’s journey with purpose; with the right partner by her side. A retired teacher from Kangema, she has been a loyal member of Mentor Sacco since 1983. Her experience over the past four decades is a testament to the powerful role Saccos play in transforming lives.
Just three years after joining Mentor Sacco, Mrs. Cunji took her first loan of Kshs. 30,000, which she used not for her benefit, but to educate her siblings. That early act of sacrifice laid the foundation for a lifetime of impact. Later, she took another loan to start a second hand clothes (mitumba) business, in partnership with her brother. “It felt good because my brother settled and started generating some income too,” she says proudly.
As a mother, she leaned on Mentor Sacco to ensure her own children went through school smoothly. She took school fees loans regularly, clearing entire terms upfront, and reapplying each year with ease. “Mentor Sacco has promoted me so much,” she says. “ The education of all my children was made possible through their support.”
Retired but not left behind
Since retiring in 2019 after a remarkable thirty seven -year teaching career, Mrs. Cunji has continued to actively engage with Mentor Sacco. She appreciates the smart advice given to retirees about leveraging their shares. “We were advised to use our shares wisely,” she explains. “So I started withdrawing Kshs. 10,000 per month, and it helped a lot as I waited for my pension.”
When urgent needs arise, she knows she can apply for quick financial help with no complications. “They give you money without a hustle,” she says. “Even now, I’m doing chicken and pig farming, and it’s all funded by Mentor Sacco.”
Mrs. Cunji is living proof that retirement doesn’t mean stopping to pursue financial success. She notes with confidence that, even now, she can access loans of up to Kshs. 500,000—enough to invest in a plot of land or support new ventures.
Her wise financial decisions and continued membership have enabled her not only to sustain herself, but also to help her grandchildren with school needs like books and supplies, funded in part through annual dividends from the Sacco.
Reflection and advice
Speaking on the sidelines of the MID at Kangema Empowerment Hall, Mrs. Cunji observed that she benefited a lot from the presentations. “ I have gained a lot of knowledge on how to make prudent financial decisions,” she said. A strong advocate for starting early, she encouraged young people to save with Mentor Sacco so that they can secure their future. “I’m sixty six now and still look young because Mentor Sacco is taking care of me,” she cheerfully said.
To the current and prospective members , her message was simple: “Join Mentor Sacco. They make your life easier. Whether you’re starting a business, educating children, or retiring, this Sacco walks with you.”
