Empowering change!

Empowering change!

I suffered a lot before, but now I can see a better future for my family.

I suffered a lot before, but now I can see a better future for my family.

At 60 years old, Tabu Ntahonkuriye of Buterere embodies resilience and determination. A widow and mother of six, her life was once marked by hardship as she struggled to provide for her family. “I worked daily in the rice fields, earning only 6,000 BIF (£1.62) per day,” Tabu recalls. To bridge the financial gap, she scavenged charcoal from piles of rubbish – a gruelling task which left her physically and emotionally drained.

Her life took a transformative turn when she joined a Women’s Savings Club started by Greenland Alliance. Through this initiative, Tabu accessed a credit of 60,000 BIF (£16 / $20) at a modest interest rate of 6%, which is a significantly lower rate than she would get elsewhere. With this financial boost, she began to address her most pressing needs.

The first step was seeking treatment for a persistent back problem that had plagued her for years. Using 17,000 BIF (£5 / $6) from her credit, she received the care she needed, restoring her health and enabling her to work more effectively.

Tabu then turned her attention to creating sustainable income streams. She invested 15,000 BIF (£4 / $5.80) in two small ducks, aiming to sell them during the Christmas season for a profit of 20,000 BIF (£5.50 / $6.70). Additionally, she launched a modest business selling tomatoes and lenga lenga (a local vegetable which is similar to spinach) with 30,000 BIF (£8 $10). This venture allows her to buy and sell produce twice a week, ensuring a steady income.

Thanks to these efforts, Tabu’s life has improved significantly. She can now feed her family without the intense struggles of her past. The joy of providing for her children fills her with gratitude, and the progress has given her fresh hope for the future, with dreams of expanding her business to include staples like rice and beans.

“Joining the savings group has been a blessing,” Tabu reflects. “I suffered a lot before, but now I can see a better future for my family.”

Tabu’s story is one example of many impacted by to the power of these community-driven initiatives which are so effective in empowering women to break free from poverty. With determination, faith, and a little support, Tabu has transformed her life and is building a brighter future for her family.

Savings groups like Tabu’s are an effective strategy in poverty alleviation and a key component of Greenland Alliance’s work amongst some of the poorest communities in Burundi.

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