At 48 years old, Lougue Samby is a mother who provides food for 11 extended family members every day. Supporting a large family anywhere is a challenge—but in rural Sevare (in Mali, West Africa), the challenges are even greater. Lougue has struggled with feeding her family by giving them limited amounts of lunch and dinner, but the children were often sick with illness and hunger. Like others in her village, she turned to friends and family for help with money, but they could not always help.
Lougue had never contributed to her family income, but started down the path towards a better life when a Credit with Education program was introduced in her village. By joining with other women to form a Credit Association and take out a small business loan, she became an active businesswoman and her family’s future grew brighter. The education she received taught her how to run a small business and how to use her profits from that business to improve the health and nutrition of her children.
Lougue
With her loan, Lougue started selling beans to others in the area and today has added charcoal, wood, peanuts and more to her stock. For the first time in her life as an income-earner, she is able to buy important items such as soap and food so that her family can stay healthy. She can also pay school fees and purchase supplies so that her children can gain an education. In addition, Lougue saves money in case of an emergency or if unforeseen expenses arise.
Through Freedom from Hunger’s programs, Lougue and the women of her community understand that they are not alone in their problems, support each other to pay back the loans, save money, make profits from their businesses, and encourage one another in safe health practices. “If you need money, it’s not difficult to pay back the loans and have a successful business selling things. I love my business and I’m good at it.” In addition, she passes the lessons she learns on to others in her community and to her children for truly lasting change.
Freedom from Hunger, with just 42 staff worldwide and 112 in-country partners, reaches millions of women just like Lougue around the world to help them earn more and learn more. To donate, or to learn more about Freedom from Hunger and the lives affected by this great charity, click here.
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