Country: Rwanda

Joselyne is a farmer and mother from Rwanda. Before she met Opportunity, Joselyne lived day-to-day and unable to save for her future. Opportunity provided her with training in agriculture, finance and business, and a mentor gave her invaluable guidance and advice. Now Joselyne has a thriving farm. 

Joselyne lives in Rwanda. She is widowed and lives with a disability. She was struggling to make enough to provide for her children from her farm.

I didn’t know how to save money. I didn’t have money.

With support from Opportunity, Joselyne joined a local savings group. Joselyne and her group were given training in agriculture, finance and business, helping them to get more out of their farms and manage their finances better.  

Before, you wouldn’t find a penny. I have made progress, I bring tomatoes and beetroots for home consumption and I sell the remaining produce, so I have no problems at all.

With a formal record of saving with her savings group and training on how to manage her finances, Joselyne was able to apply to banks for a loan. Joselyne took out a loan to buy a goat and a pig, as well as to lease farmland to grow more crops. She was then able to reinvest the proceeds to pay off her loan and expand her farm further. 

After getting the loan, you invest it in a project, which helps you develop in agriculture. We began borrowing loans which improved our standard of living.

Joselyne's next goal now is to start a new venture that will allow her to move away from farming. 

 Working is hard for me. I have an orthopaedic implant. I work just so I don’t sit idle. Some of my children are busy with school while the older ones are also hustling on their own so I have no choice. 

Despite the challenges Joselyne faces, her business is thriving. She can now afford for health insurance and pay for her children's expenses, such as their school fees. 

Generally, given where I came from and my current level, I have made significant progress. I never imagined to reach this level.