Before the loans I had a small capital and was unable to grow the business and even feed and cloth my family. However, today I am able to look after my family and build a new home with running water and electricity.
Jane Chiumia, Sustainable Timber Business Owner, Malawi
Jane lives in a small village in Malawi, and was just 17 when she had her first child. The pressure of being a young parent soon intensified when she and her husband divorced. Jane was left to raise their two young daughters on her own.
In Jane’s town, like many other rural towns in Malawi, paid work is extremely limited. Jane faced a tiring battle to make ends meet, struggling to provide food and shelter for her children. Imagine the heartache of putting your children to bed hungry.
Jane dreamt of a life where her daughters could achieve their full potential, and have the education and autonomy to make choices about their future.
Four years on, Jane is now a successful entrepreneur. Her drive and ambition helped to turn her small wood trading stall into a successful timber trading business. For the first time, she and her family feel safe in a secure home and can afford healthy nutritious food.
With training and support, Jane can weather the COVID-19 storm without losing her livelihood, which is the devastating reality for many other women in her community.
How did she do it, you ask? Jane’s journey out of poverty began by joining a MicroLoan group. With a small start-up loan, and business training communicated through song, dance and role play, Jane developed the skills needed to a run a business.
Maximising our impact
Jane’s financial stability has enabled her to adopt four children. In Malawi it is common for families to marry off their children at a young age to relieve the financial burden. Children move away from home, end education early, have babies of their own and remain trapped in a cycle of poverty. By offering these children a safe home, an education and nourishment, Jane has redefined their futures.
In the face of COVID-19, the team at MicroLoan are working tirelessly to ensure businesses like Jane’s survive.
As you save on travel to work, and spend less disposable income, you can raise families in sub-Saharan Africa out of poverty. Give a life-changing gift today, and spark a change that echoes for generations.