How CCFC is helping women make positive change

Olivia Adams has a big smile on her face when we meet. The mother-of-three is happy with what she’s achieved in a short time.

Just a few years ago she was eking out a living and dreaming of upgrading her dilapidated wooden shop. That was when she met the team at Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (CCFC).

CCFC introduced a Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) to her Zawgyuri community. When Olivia understood how it worked — a group of women meet and contribute weekly to a group savings that can be used for loans — she applied for financing. The loan allowed her to convert her shop into a modern metal container that’s bigger and better positioned for potential shoppers to see all the convenience-store type items.  

Olivia is part of a group of 8,157 women in 318 groups who have raised more than $227,000 through their VSLAs.

Today, she is secretary to her group of 25 and doubles as a porter — recording member contributions and taking meeting minutes — in her local church women’s group, which also gives back to the community.

Through this support, the 45-year-old mother is contributing to her family income and has become influential in her community (above). Yet, she thinks more needs to be done to give women more visibility as many don’t have an education and have limited access to land. They lack the confidence to reach their full potential in a male-dominated society.

She’s thankful to generous CCFC supporters who are helping to meet the educational and health needs of women and girls. “I am happy to see more girls going to school, since that can change everything,” she says.

This mother, entrepreneur and community leader is hopeful women will soon be rubbing shoulders with men in public positions. In fact, she’s considering running in a local election if she can win support. Good luck, Olivia!

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About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.