Virgnie has five children but until recently none were able to attend school.
Her eldest child never even set foot in a classroom because the family's financial conditions were so difficult. Like many in central Burundi, Virgnie faced extreme poverty. When Virgnie joined the Five Talents financial literacy program, however, things began to change.
"My status changed when I joined the savings and credit group. I am so glad because now I can send my children to school."
How did this happen?
After learning basic financial literacy and business skills, Virgnie was able to access a small loan of $14 from her savings group.
She used this loan combined with the knowledge she gained in her training to begin selling cassava, banana and vegetables. Eventually she began providing produce to two local restaurants.
"With the profit, I have improved my family life", Virgnie says.
During the first year of her new business she was able to send two of her children to school, covering the school fees as well as the cost of uniform, shoes, and stationaries from her profits.
(Above: Virgnie's neighbors and members of her savings group gather for a meeting)
Virgnie hopes to expand her business and plans for her other children to join school in the near future. Her neighbors have taken notice of the change and began asking her for advice.
"I am a role model in my community and even my neighbors have [now] joined savings groups", Virgnie says.
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