In 2020, Michael faced an impossible equation. He was a husband and father of nine living in the Oditel community. He also lives with a physical disability. Despite working hard, Michael struggled to cover school fees, keep food on the table, and imagine a future beyond day-to-day survival.
That year, Michael made a practical decision that would change his family’s future: he joined a Village Savings and Loan Association through the local CarePoint.
“Educating my children was hard, feeding was not easy, and I never owned a permanent building," Michael says.
"But through savings with VSLA, I am getting there. My wall is at beam level and my children are thriving at school.”
A Different Way Forward
Through the savings group, Michael began setting aside small, consistent amounts of money alongside other community members. With guidance from CarePoint staff, the group learned how to save together, access small loans, and plan for expenses rather than react to emergencies. At first, the progress felt slow. But over time, saving became a habit, and habits created stability. “Through saving together, I began to see change,” Michael shares.
Stability Takes Shape
Today, all nine of Michael’s children are enrolled in school, including primary, secondary, and vocational training programs. Each term, Michael pays more than $946 in school fees, something that once felt impossible.
For the first time, Michael is also building a permanent home for his family. Construction has reached beam level, with $3,514 invested so far. He plans to complete the home by early 2026 using savings from his VSLA cycle.
“My children are thriving,” Michael says. “Step by step, we are building our future.”
Growth Beyond One Household
As his family’s situation stabilized, Michael began looking outward. He joined a local Community Based Organization so he could support others in his community.
Through training provided by Children’s HopeChest, Michael learned how to prioritize income-generating activities, reduce impulse spending, and plan for long-term growth. He now shares these skills with neighbors, encouraging them to save together and plan for their families’ futures.
Michael has also invested in commercial agriculture, specializing in peanut farming. This additional income has strengthened his household and created greater resilience for the years ahead.
Why This Matters
Michael’s story is not about a single moment of change. It reflects what happens when families are equipped with practical tools, training, and community support.
Across HopeChest communities, more than 15,900 people are saving together through Village Savings and Loan Associations, creating nearly $954,000 in shared resources for education, housing, and livelihoods.
These are not short-term solutions. They are foundations being built — family by family.
Building Hope Together
Michael did not build this future alone. His determination met the steady partnership of people who believe in long term transformation. Because of that partnership, children are in school, a family is moving toward stability, and a father is leading with confidence.
This year end, Building Hope means choosing courage alongside families like Michael’s. Your partnership makes that possible.
