Shifting Gears: Supporting James’ Journey to Independence

At the heart of Rotary is the belief that small actions, multiplied across communities, can create lasting change. One of the ways our club lives out that belief is through Lendwithcare, a powerful platform that connects supporters with entrepreneurs in developing countries who are determined to build better lives. Instead of simply providing charity, Lendwithcare offers loans, an approach rooted in dignity and empowerment. Each repayment is reinvested, creating a ripple effect of opportunity for families and communities across the world.

This month, our club has chosen to support James, a 22-year-old from Kiambu County in Kenya. His story is a remarkable example of youthful determination and ambition.

James’ daily journey

Like many young people in his community, James is striving to carve out a better future. He currently works as a taxi driver, spending long hours on the road navigating busy streets, helping passengers get where they need to go. He approaches his work with professionalism and pride, knowing that every fare is a step towards providing for himself and his loved ones.

Yet, despite his commitment, there is a challenge that keeps him from moving forward. The taxi he drives is not his own. He is employed by someone else, which means his earnings are limited and his independence is constrained. James has the skills, the energy, and the vision to do more, but without access to capital he cannot take the step that would transform his life.

A loan that changes everything

That is where Lendwithcare comes in. Through its local partner, U&I Microfinance Bank, James has been able to apply for a loan that will allow him to purchase the very car he currently drives. For him, this is far more than an upgrade. It is a turning point.

Owning his own taxi means James can set his own schedule, decide where and when to work, and most importantly, take control of his income. What today is simply a job could soon become a thriving small business. With greater stability, he can start planning for the future, supporting his family, saving for tomorrow, and even investing in further opportunities.

James himself expressed it perfectly when he told us:

“Owning this taxi will change everything. It is a step towards freedom and building something of my own.”

From independence to opportunity for others

What excites us most is not just what this loan means for James, but also the potential ripple effects. Once established as an independent taxi owner, James could eventually expand by purchasing additional vehicles. In doing so, he would create jobs for other young people in his community who face the same struggles he does today.

This is the beauty of microfinance. It takes one person’s determination and amplifies it, creating wider opportunities for families and communities. It is a chain reaction of empowerment.

Why our club supports microfinance

For us, supporting James is about more than helping him buy a car. It is about backing his courage, his determination, and his right to shape his own future. Microfinance loans like this help people move from surviving to thriving. They create resilience, reduce dependency, and allow individuals to unlock their potential.

Each loan is repaid, which means our support does not end with James. Once his loan is paid back, those funds will be reinvested to support another entrepreneur, and then another. Over time, one small act of solidarity grows into a legacy of opportunity.

Driving forward together

James’ story is just one among many, but it captures why we are so proud to partner with Lendwithcare. By investing in people’s ideas and ambitions, we are helping to build futures full of dignity and determination.

This is what Rotary is about, supporting people not with handouts but with the tools they need to create lasting change. And just as James is ready to shift gears towards independence, we are committed to standing alongside him and countless others as they take the driver’s seat in their own lives.