Rebecca describes herself as someone who once lived “her own way.” But when her Reverend encouraged the congregation to begin saving together, everything changed. What started with faith and community soon became a source of resilience and opportunity for the young women in the village.
The group began pooling savings and sharing out profits at the end of the year. In that first cycle, Rebecca received UGX 400,000 (£80). She invested in two piglets, a small decision that soon paid off. Within a few years, those piglets multiplied, and when she sold them she earned UGX 1.8 million (£405).
“It came at the time my children were supposed to go to school,” Rebecca recalls. She was able to cover school fees and reinvest in agriculture. With her profits, she also purchased grain silos, giving her family food security and a way to store sorghum and maize harvests. Today, she owns four silos.
As a widow, Rebecca says the group has given her confidence to “stand in the gap” left by her husband. She has expanded the land she cultivates, invested in her children’s education and strengthened her household against challenges like unreliable rainfall. The group’s activities also extend to small enterprises such as hiring out traditional attire for functions and making and selling beadwork, creating extra income to boost savings.
“Being part of the savings group has educated me and encouraged me,” Rebecca says. “It has really helped me in agriculture and education.”
Invest in women like Rebecca
Rebecca’s story shows how savings, enterprise, and community support can empower women to provide for their families and plan for the future. When you invest in Five Talents, you are standing with women like Rebecca as they turn resilience into opportunity for themselves, their families and their communities.