Seeds, savings groups, and new hope

Each family today committed to saving P10 (US$0.20) per family per week every week into the future, for the group to use as capital. They are also encouraged to add “personal” savings on top of the group saving. Personal savings are a lifeline for poor families, and can be used for medical emergencies and household businesses. Many families use their savings even just for days when there is no food.  

Launching Dreams

Lina is saving for a new roof for her home. Her other neighbors have their own dreams, both big and small. “I saved two hundred pesos today (US$4)! In a few months, I’ll buy my first piglet to raise,” said Mildred.

“Even though I’m 82, I still have so many dreams. I’ll use my savings to keep in good health, so I can stay alive for longer and support my grandkids,” said Dolores.

“It’s always been my dream to start a business, but I never had capital. I’m planning to start a little catering business, and soon I’ll be able to,” said Merlyn

But Lina has a new reason to hope. Today, she and 32 of her neighbors have planted new seeds of hope, both literally and figuratively. They are investing in a brighter future by launching a savings group.

Starting Capital for Future Business

Savings Groups empower ultra-poor families to save a small portion of their incomes together every week. As the group builds up capital, they launch a group business together. This enterprise helps to start new streams of income for the community members.

Each family today committed to saving P10 (US$0.20) per family per week every week into the future, for the group to use as capital. They are also encouraged to add “personal” savings on top of the group saving. Personal savings are a lifeline for poor families, and can be used for medical emergencies and household businesses. Many families use their savings even just for days when there is no food.  

Launching Dreams

Lina is saving for a new roof for her home. Her other neighbors have their own dreams, both big and small. “I saved two hundred pesos today (US$4)! In a few months, I’ll buy my first piglet to raise,” said Mildred.

“Even though I’m 82, I still have so many dreams. I’ll use my savings to keep in good health, so I can stay alive for longer and support my grandkids,” said Dolores.

“It’s always been my dream to start a business, but I never had capital. I’m planning to start a little catering business, and soon I’ll be able to,” said Merlyn

Lina sits on the step of what used to be her house. Typhoon Tino blew the roof away, knocked down their walls, and left her family without a safe place to live.

But Lina has a new reason to hope. Today, she and 32 of her neighbors have planted new seeds of hope, both literally and figuratively. They are investing in a brighter future by launching a savings group.

Starting Capital for Future Business

Savings Groups empower ultra-poor families to save a small portion of their incomes together every week. As the group builds up capital, they launch a group business together. This enterprise helps to start new streams of income for the community members.

Each family today committed to saving P10 (US$0.20) per family per week every week into the future, for the group to use as capital. They are also encouraged to add “personal” savings on top of the group saving. Personal savings are a lifeline for poor families, and can be used for medical emergencies and household businesses. Many families use their savings even just for days when there is no food.  

Launching Dreams

Lina is saving for a new roof for her home. Her other neighbors have their own dreams, both big and small. “I saved two hundred pesos today (US$4)! In a few months, I’ll buy my first piglet to raise,” said Mildred.

“Even though I’m 82, I still have so many dreams. I’ll use my savings to keep in good health, so I can stay alive for longer and support my grandkids,” said Dolores.

“It’s always been my dream to start a business, but I never had capital. I’m planning to start a little catering business, and soon I’ll be able to,” said Merlyn