The Power of Savings: Rehema’s Journey to Economic Independence

Rehema on her farm of pigeon peas

Life Before Savings Groups: Struggles and Uncertain

Before joining Jikwamue Savings group, life was very difficult for Rehema Karimu, a 27 years old woman from Chiuta Village. She had no stable income and depended on farm work with her parents just to survive. Every day was a struggle. “I felt like my dreams were impossible to achieve,” she recalls, reflecting on the challenges she faced.

Like many young people in her village, she wanted financial independence but didn’t know how to achieve it. The lack of opportunities and knowledge about saving and investing made her feel stuck.

DMDO’s Life Changing Support

In December 2023, the DMDO stated providing financial education and training on savings groups and money management in Chiuta. As part of this initiative, the DMDO helped establish new savings groups.  One such was called ‘Jikwamue’ and community members could start saving, borrowing, investing and improving their financial stability.

Rehema saw this as her chance. She joined the Jikwamue savings group and began learning how to build financial resilience, save consistently and invest wisely.

Turning Small Savings into Big Opportunities

With what money she could muster, Rehema bought shares in the Jikwamue savings group. The savings groups made loans and generated profits which were reinvested to compound its growth.  Rehema invested more capital in the savings group so that by January 2025 she owned 250 shares at an investment $96. 

Rehama has since cashed in her investment earned a 1.4x return, yielding proceeds of $136.

Proceeds have been reinvested in a two-acre plot of land ($77) and in her her younger sister’s school fees. 

Rehama planted pigeon peas, a crop known for its good market value, and looks forward to using this as a springboard for financial independence and reinvestment.

The Power of Savings: A Brighter Future

Today, Rehema feels hopeful and excited about the future. She expects a successful harvest, which will generate income and help her achieve her biggest dream of starting a financial agency business.

“DMDO opened my eyes. Now, through my savings group, I can plan my life better and support my family.”

Rehema also believes that her success will inspire other young women who are still struggling for financial stability.  She hopes they too will discover the power of saving and turn their lives around.

DMDO’s Impact: Changing Lives and Creating Opportunities

DMDO’s financial education and savings groups are transforming lives in Chiuta and beyond. Young women like Rehema who once struggled to find hope, now have financial stability, independence and opportunities for growth.

Their stories prove that savings, financial knowledge and determination can break the cycle of poverty and lead to a brighter, more secure future for individuals, families and communities.