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‘I look to the Proverbs 31 women in the Bible who strive through their manual activities. They ensure their families are not hungry, and they do not complain. They want their country to flourish,’ says Melanie in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR).
‘I apply this within my family and community.’
At 51 years old, Melanie is married with seven children and a number of grandchildren. They all live together and Melanie supports her family through her small business selling various goods. Her husband takes on available jobs and between them, over time, they have managed to buy land and build a home.
But what really motivates Melanie, is being able to lift up the women around her.
‘When someone has an issue, we talk, pray, and read the Bible to find insights that help us make good decisions and improve our lives,’ she says.
‘I believe that we need to support one another in this life, especially women. When we come together, we can do great things, even when we don’t have much.
‘Success is to see women thrive in their homes and communities.’
‘I know how seeing your child hungry feels… I gave my suffering to God.’
When Melanie first got married, her husband had no work. In a country where approximately 70 per cent of the population lives in extreme poverty, Melanie has experienced first hand the distress of not having enough for her basic needs.
‘I know what suffering feels like,’ she says. ‘I know how seeing your child hungry feels. I know how being helpless feels. I gave my suffering to God, and he made a path.’
These experiences gave Melanie a deep longing to help other women escape poverty.
About 75 per cent of women in CAR lack access to education, denying them many of the opportunities they need to earn an income.
Transforming communities (through Transforming Communities)
Then, Melanie’s friend Esther took part in Tearfund’s Transforming Communities training, which uses biblical concepts to help people identify practical solutions to the problems they, their families and their communities are facing.
And, inspired by what Esther learned, they began to put the training into action.
‘We brought women together, starting with those from the church, and then others from the neighbourhood joined us as well,’ Melanie tells us. ‘We call ourselves Strong Women.’
The group supports widows by providing necessities, cleaning, cooking, and visiting the frail. Each woman also helps care for orphans, providing school supplies and Christmas gifts each year.
And, the group is also learning practical skills to help the women improve their own earning opportunities.
‘Tearfund, through Esther, (who is now a Transforming Communities facilitator), has trained us on financial literacy, saving and loans groups, and how to work together,’ explains Melanie.
‘They gave us a money box, a training booklet, and books to keep a record of our finances. It has been very helpful; we learn how to save and plan our own businesses better.
‘We’ve also learned how to make soap, knit, and we want to learn tailoring.
‘The association has transformed many lives among the members and within their families,’ says Melanie.
You can help equip women like Melanie to bring transformation in their homes and communities. Find out how at tearfund.org.
