My name is Grace Chebobei, and I am a Woman of Change from Cherangan’y, Kenya. Four years ago, I quit brewing changa’a. I can still remember how my eyes and lungs burned as I would spend hours a day in my brewing hut fighting off customers and making a drink that I knew was killing them. I was responsible for many fights; my drink sometimes would cause sickness to those who drank it. I was a problem for the police and the chief; even my kids were scared of me.

Everyone in my village knows how my life used to be and cannot believe the change that has happened since I attended training with ELI. I am a leader in my community in various organizations. Recently I was elected treasurer for my church. I am also the board of management treasurer of the secondary school nearby. When I am not leading meetings, I invite women to my farm, where I share how to have a God-honoring income through poultry farming and kitchen gardening. Once my home held brawling drunkards, but it is now used as a place to laugh and learn new skills for the women in my village. All who want to learn are welcome. It makes me so happy to know I can help my village and bring good things to my community through my leadership.