“I just knew I had nothing.”

That’s how Belya described her life before joining a Five Talents Savings Group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She had no savings, no control over her money, and no confidence to imagine a different future. Each day was a struggle — relying on her husband for every need, enduring frustration and uncertainty. Some days, she couldn’t even go to church because she lacked basic items like soap or clothing.

“But one day, I saw all the women join a savings group, so I joined too.”

That courageous decision changed everything.

With the training and support of her group, she learned to save, to plan, and to dream. She planted a small vegetable field — squash and spinach — and began selling her produce in the local market.

After just one year of saving with her group, Belya held more money in her hands than she had ever seen before. Finally, she could send her only son to secondary school. Her home became clean, her family well-fed, and for the first time, she was able to equip her house with utensils.

Her next goal is simple but profound: to buy mattresses so her family can sleep comfortably.

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