May 2025
Ruth, a grandmother from Builsa South in Ghana’s Upper East Region, is the primary caregiver for nine children, including her grandchildren and sister’s children. A member of one of the women’s groups supported by our Family Livelihoods Support Programme, she is growing a small business to provide for her family.
With support from the group’s micro-finance initiative, Ruth buys materials in bulk to make and sell soap at the market, alongside Gari (cassava grain) and bottled water. This has improved her income and reduced the need for long, repeated journeys to source supplies.
“I can now buy all my materials at once which means I can make more profit and don’t have to make the long and difficult journey so often,” Ruth explains.
Through earning the extra income, she is able to provide food for the children she cares for and support them to stay in school.
“It wasn’t easy for my family as there are many people to support. Now I can give some money to the children to get food at school. I can also make sure there is food when they get home,” she says.
Education is a priority for Ruth, who didn’t have the opportunity to go to school herself. She’s proud to see her children and grandchildren learning and thriving. Her 11-year-old grandson, Ismael (pictured), recently achieved 100% attendance with support from AfriKids’ Leave No Child Behind programme, which provided him with essential learning materials and encouragement to stay in school. He hopes to continue with his studies and train as a doctor.
Ruth has repaid her loan, which will now be used to support other women, and continues to manage her growing business. Together with other women in the group, she’s building a stronger future—not just for her family, but for the wider community.
“Before, I couldn’t afford for all my children to go to school. Now they attend every day. I also have the support of other women in the group, which make me happy.”
Would you consider making a regular gift to help our Family Livelihoods Support Programme reach more women like Ruth?
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