Meet some of the ladies from our microfinance project in Yei and read how business training and the gospel are transforming their lives.
Without the help of microfinance, many of these women would remain trapped in poverty, lacking the resources and opportunity to find a way out. Microfinance, run through the local church, empowers families to provide for themselves for the long-term.
Helder
Helder Sura is 35 years old, she is married and “blessed with five children.”
“I joined Yei Microfinance to support my family. My husband doesn’t earn enough to support us so I picked a loan which helped to stock my business. Now I make 48,000ssp profit per month. l can pay my children’s school fees, buy food and medication. “
Helder says that she has grown in business skill through training given by the microfinance staff as well as from discussions with fellow clients at their weekly group meetings.
“I always pray for my business, my group members, and my country South Sudan… I am happy and proud to be a member of this institution thanks for the support.”
AID works closely with the Bishop of Yei to run this microfinance project. This ensures the project is well rooted in the local community and that gospel needs are met. Together we have employed capable staff members to run the project, carry out training and keep accounts. Church staff are also involved in leading Bible reading and prayers during the weekly group meetings.
Mary
Mary struggled to provide for her four children on her own before becoming involved with Yei Microfinance.
After joining a microfinance group she was given a loan and business training which she used to develop a fish business. Her profit has increased tenfold and she can now feed her children as well as buy school items and medicine.
Besides business skill, Mary has been encouraged in the Lord through times of Bible reading and prayer at the weekly group meetings.
“I benefited a lot… l am able to support my family. l learned a lot from the teachings for example: forgiveness, love and how to manage and run my business effectively.”
Thanks to the presence of UN peacekeepers Yei Town is an place of relative calm in the face of violence that periodically erupts in nearby villages. When conflict hits women and children flock to find shelter and food in Yei Cathedral. The Church holds out the gospel as well as offering practical help to those in need.
Grace
Grace opened her market stall in 2015. However it ground to a halt several times when conflict erupted across South Sudan. She has been “holding on”, trapped in poverty, until Yei microfinance began in 2021 and was one of the first people to join.
Despite the ongoing challenges in South Sudan, Grace has been able to develop a reliable business through microfinance.
“I wish to thank the Yei Microfinance for supporting us. The training we receive has helped us manage profitable business. I am now able to provide for my family.”
Microfinance run through the local church offers lasting hope in the face of many trials.
Thank you for supporting these women and their families for the long-term.
