Emelyne is 34 years old and a mother of three. Life became unbearable when her husband abandoned her and the children. As a small vegetable street vendor, she struggled to put food on the table and pay rent. Some days, she simply did not know how she would make it to the evening.

Things kept getting harder. Eventually, she had no choice but to move into an even smaller house in the slum of Buterere, on the outskirts of Bujumbura. To make ends meet, she scavenged for plastic at the dumpsite, with her baby strapped to her back,

“This is one of the most dangerous jobs to do. Sometimes we get infections from all the rubbish. There are times when there are sharp and dangerous objects we step on or grab.”

On the most difficult days, she would take her oldest son, only eight years old, to help her collect more plastic. It was not the life she wanted for him, but the need to survive left little room for choice.

Emelyne had heard about microloan groups before. She wished to join one, but she never succeeded because she had nothing to contribute.

“I could barely survive each day. Knowing that I even had to contribute 1,000 FBu (25 pence / 35 cents) would have been a stretch.”

Everything changed when she attended a small-business training program conducted by Greenland Alliance. The training focused on saving money, growing small capital, and understanding how savings and loans groups work. For the first time, the idea of joining a group did not feel impossible.

After joining the Bihunduke Self Help Group, her life began to turn around. She started small. With her savings, she bought one goat. That goat has now given birth to four more. Her vegetable business has grown. She no longer scavenges at the dumpsite.

These savings and loan groups have changed the lives of thousands of families. With an increase in capital of just 100,000 FBu, just £25 / $30 each, Emelyne’s group of ten members have been able to grow their businesses and strengthen their families.

Today, Emelyne is dreaming bigger. She hopes to reach 1,000,000 FBu, around £300. She plans to sell her goats and buy land. On that land, she hopes to build a small house for her children. 

“I thank God for the steps I have already taken. I pray to reach even further.”