Empowered to Thrive: The Ripple Effect of Savings and Skills in Alberic’s Community

Before, my siblings and I often went to bed hungry. Every school day filled us with fear, not knowing when we’d be sent home for unpaid fees.

My parents worked hard, but it was never enough,” says 12-year-old Alberic, his voice still heavy with memories of those difficult days. Today, that fear is beginning to fade.

Through World Vision’s Savings for Transformation training, Alberic’s parents learned how to save, borrow wisely, and turn small efforts into growing income. “After the training, my father bought a cow,” he says softly. 

“Now we have milk to drink, fertilizer for our fields, and even some to sell. We no longer worry about missing school.”

The programme also strengthened local savings groups, teaching members about credit and business skills. 

Alberic’s father, once overwhelmed and discouraged, now leads one of these groups, guiding others on how to rebuild their lives. 

Through small loans from the savings group, he bought a pig that has already multiplied twice. Out of 12 piglets, he sold 11 and the money he made was utilised to buy a goat and a plot of land at 1,000,000 burundian francs which are being utilised to expand farm activities.

"Looking back at where we came from and where we are today as a family, much has improved", says Cyprien, Alberic's father. "My vision is to expand farming activities and provide for the schooling of my children", he adds.

Alberic who can nowadays attend with no worries of being expelled nor miss food once back at home now speaks about the future with confidence and a smile.