Francine never expected to join a savings group. “I was getting old,” she recalls, “but a friend invited me. I had no idea what it was about, but I was happy to join others and learn to read, write, and gain new skills. I became clever!”
In Burundi, women are often limited by cultural traditions that prevent them from owning land or controlling resources. But through her savings group, Francine discovered a new confidence. After six months of training and saving, she took her first loan to invest in beans and cassava, laying the foundation for a small business. “I sell maize and cassava. I am saving and have used my profits to buy land for my children,” she explains.
For Francine, the benefits go far beyond her business. With the skills she’s gained, she is able to support herself, provide for her children, and set an example of resilience for her wider community. By developing financial stewardship, she is not only building a sustainable livelihood today but also securing a stronger future for the next generation.
Building a Sustainable Future
Francine’s story shows how savings groups empower women to overcome barriers of age and gender, unlocking opportunity for themselves and their families. When you invest in Five Talents, you are helping women like Francine create lasting change – transforming their own lives and laying the groundwork for a brighter, more sustainable future.