I sent my children to school with the learnings from NOW

A story written by Nabieu Senessie & Emmanuel George

Watta Moriba is a 46-year-old single mother of five who lives in Gbeka. Like many mothers, Watta wanted to educate her children and save for the future. The family’s sole bread winner was her husband. Crisis hit in 2016 when Watta’s husband died, leaving her to fend for herself and her children. Watta was forced to borrow from other women to provide for her basic needs and her children’s tuition. The loans and their mounting interest started to weigh on her, putting the family into further financial difficulties.

“I used to go into hiding with fear that I could be summoned and fined by the chiefs because I didn’t have the money to pay back my debts”

Since Watta knew nothing about budgeting or saving, the situation worsened. Watta could no longer pay her children’s tuition.

Fortunately, Watta’s prospects began to change when connected with her friend, who was a participant in OneVillage Partner’s Nurturing Opportunities for Women (NOW) program. NOW teaches women financial management skills related to personal savings, household planning, and business. Although Watta could not be part of the program, her friend was willing to pass along the lessons to Watta. “Seeing Watta struggle with such a huge burden as a single mother was a sad experience,” Miatta, a friend said. “I realized that Watta needed these lessons even more than me.” Watta was interested, enthusiastic, and wanted to continue. Using her new learnt skills, Watta bought palm oil from local farmers and travelled to nearby communities to resell her product at a higher price. She started saving small amounts from her farming efforts and began making and selling homemade soap to generate even more income.

Watta has now learned how to manage her finances. “It’s hard to believe that I now wake up every morning without thinking of the debt I owe somebody,” Watta said. She gained back the respect from her community, sent her children back to school, and contributed to other family expenses. With a growing business, her family cared for, and a new-found confidence, Watta boldly decided to share her knowledge with other women.

One of the best rewards for Watta’s hard work was one son’s graduation from college and the other son’s graduation from high school. “I become happy and proud that as a single mother, I have educated these boys from my saving,” she said. Watta’s savings now totals Le 1,000,000 ($125) which she’ll use to pay her second son’s upcoming college expenses.

From her experience Watta learned she is capable of working hard to solve her own problems, Watta’s newfound financial independence has brought many benefits.

“Now that I have the skills and am practicing them, I have more peace of mind, am free from debts, and can confidently sponsor my children’s education at all times.” Watta said