Loan program transforms a family — providing new hope

In rural Burkina Faso, women often suffer with poor living conditions and limited access to credit. So it’s hard to develop sustainable, income-generating activities to improve their lives and help their families. At Christian Children’s Fund of Canada, through the generosity of our donors, we can help through village-savings-and-loan (VSLA) community groups. Asseta Zangré (above) realized the value of these groups, designed to encourage (mostly) women to save funds, which are loaned with interest to finance income-generating activities. “I joined the VSLA group in 2014 when it started in my village,” recalls Asseta. “Before that, I ran a small restaurant where I sold cooked rice with sauce.” Before she joined her VSLA group, Asseta’s business was small. She knew accessing credit would help grow her business, but financial institutions wouldn’t grant her a loan — she didn’t have other options.

The entrepreneur’s situation changed once she joined her VSLA group. She started borrowing money and progressively asked for bigger loans. Today, she buys up to 5 tons of rice a year, compared to when she could hardly finish 1 ton and a half. And, she makes $270 on each ton, a significant amount in Burkina Faso. “I can easily face my children’s needs in terms of school fees, clothing, health and others. I have also widened my restaurant.” And, there’s more: “I (contributed) to helping my husband build our house in concrete,” she explains proudly. She has also developed a sheep farm, which her children often help her with when they’re not in school. Koumbema, Asseta’s husband, is proud and thinks local men should encourage their wives to join a VSLA group. “Since my wife has been in the VSLA group, so many things have changed. She helped me a lot,” he explains. “Our life has improved.” Make an income-generating gift today through our catalogue.

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.