From exclusion to empowerment through Savings for Transformation: Mariame's Story

Mariame, a mother of three living with albinism in remote Senegal, once faced deep rejection and poverty until she was persuaded to join World Vision’s Savings for Transformation (S4T) programme, which has completely transformed her life. Mariame has gained confidence, financial independence, and perhaps most importantly - community respect. Now a business owner and leader of the S4T group, Mariame says she is changing her family’s future and unjust, deeply rooted cultural beliefs.

“I know that my skin colour is God’s will, and that every person deserves to be accepted as they are.”

In the village of Wanar, in Senegal’s Kaffrine region, 40-year-old Mariame has lived with albinism as the only known albino in her community, which left her isolated and unwelcomed in her own community for the bulk of her life. “My past was more than complicated,” she said. “At that time, I didn’t even consider myself a member of society.”

Mariame’s life was shaped by exclusion and poverty. With no brothers or sisters and limited family support, she struggled to provide for her three children — two daughters and a son. “I was begging to survive,” she recalled. “It was the only way I could support myself.”

Everything changed when World Vision community volunteer Mor Sakho eventually persuaded her to join a Savings for Transformation (S4T) group — a community savings and credit programme that helps members build financial independence. “At first, I didn’t believe it would work,” Mariame said. “Because I was marginalised, I didn’t think the group would accept me.” But with Mor’s persistent encouragement, she joined — and was not only accepted but later elected president of the group.

The training and participation in S4T gave Mariame the confidence and financial tools to transform her life. “Thanks to the savings fund, I installed electricity and water in my home. I bought a bed, and I can now manage my children’s schooling,” she explained with pride. “Today, I even organise meetings that people attend. Before, that was impossible. I am happy to feel valued and recognised as a member of society.”

Mariame’s success has also changed how her community views people with albinism. “Thanks to World Vision, society has changed its perception of people with albinism or disabilities,” she said. “This encouraged me to start my small business.” She now rents a space in the nearby town of Mabo, seven kilometres away, where she runs a shop selling household goods and cold drinks. Although travel and rent cost about 70,000 CFA francs per month, financial education from World Vision has taught her to budget and save wisely. So much so that she plans to open a store in her own community soon.

Mariame’s faith and determination remain strong. “I have learned to believe in myself, to set clear goals, and to protect them,” she said. 

Today, Mariame’s children are thriving — all three are in school. Her eldest daughter hopes to become a woman in uniform, her son a Quranic teacher, and her younger daughter a nurse. Though her husband passed away recently, Mariame continues to lead her household with resilience and hope.

“World Vision has truly changed my life,” she said. “I no longer beg. I am respected, independent, and accepted. I thank World Vision for helping people like me regain dignity and a place in society.”