Mary Ann's Story

"The education [that we receive in the program] has been very beneficial in helping me take better care of my children. My life is much better now..."- Mary Ann, Madagascar
Image of Mary Ann

Mary Ann lives in a small village on the northeastern coast of Madagascar. She is 41 years old, married, and has seven children. Mary Ann is also a member of the Firaison-Kina Credit Association, part of Freedom from Hunger's Credit with Education program in Madagascar.

Mary Ann runs a successful business making and selling straw baskets. When asked how the loan from Credit with Education affected her business, she said, "Two things have happened: first, I'm able to make more baskets, and second, I'm able to buy baskets from others and resell them. I've never been able to do the second before." Mary Ann's first loan was for about US $8. Since then, she's slowly increased to her current loan amount of US $31.

Mary Ann was asked to describe her feelings about the Credit with Education program and replied, "I find it very useful. Before, I had no way to get a loan and could not participate in business activities—I had no way to make money."

She also appreciates the education offered through the program, especially for her children's benefit. "The education [that we receive in the program] has been very beneficial in helping me take better care of my children. My life is much better now in general, including my children. I've also had the opportunity to put 125,000 MF (US $18) in savings. Before, I wasn't able to pay for all the regular weekly household purchases and my children didn't have any clothes. Now all my children are dressed."

Mary Ann's husband is a farmer and, she said, "He insists that I continue with it because he knows how much it helps our household."

For the future of her children, Mary Ann wants what any mother on earth would want. "I hope they are all in good health. I hope they grow well and never lack for food, clothes or other basic needs."

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