Journey of Resilience and Financial Transformation

Vida Ayine is a 35-year-old widow from Gambibgo, a community in the Bolga East District of the Upper East Region. She has three children, two girls and one boy. She works as a seamstress and a part-time farmer. Following the loss of her husband in 2023, Vida became the sole provider for her family, a responsibility that brought with it considerable emotional and financial challenges.

In addition to her dressmaking business, Madam Vida tried to support her household by selling candies and other petty items. However, this side business often proved unprofitable, as her children frequently consumed the products, and she sometimes used the goods as lunch support for them. By the end of the day, she was often left with no capital and no profit.

“I recently participated in a three-day training organized by the Widows and Orphans Movement (WOM), with support from the KGL Foundation. During this training, I learned about the importance of investing in assets and was introduced to the ‘leaky pot’ model, which showed how money can easily drain away through unnecessary spending,” she shared.

Before the training, Vida never considered rearing animals as a viable business. “I always thought rearing was a man’s job. As someone who goes to the market almost every day, I believed I wouldn’t be able to take care of animals,” she explained. However, the training helped her realize that relying solely on dressmaking, especially since it takes considerable time to sew each garment, would not be sufficient to meet her family’s needs.

Motivated by the training, Vida decided to diversify her income. Upon returning home, she used her savings of GHS 500 to purchase a female goat. Her goal is to rear and breed the goat so that within a year, she can grow the herd. As the animals multiply, she plans to sell some and eventually buy a deep freezer to start a small business selling local drinks.

In addition, Vida has started a simple savings practice at home by using a coin box. “At the end of the year, the coins I save will be used to support household needs or expand my business,” she noted proudly.

Vida’s story reflects the impact of practical training on financial literacy. With renewed confidence and a clear vision, she is gradually building a stronger financial future for herself and her children.