Meet Gertrude, an Enterprising Mamasanté
 Nine
years ago Gertrude's husband went abroad, leaving her to raise a newborn and
two young children on her own. Showing great initiative, she started a business
buying household goods such as drinking glasses and saucepans at the town market
to re-sell to her village neighbors. She now operates a kiosk in her village
and is already very good at direct sales. Gertrude learned how to save money
and build her business through her participation in Credit with Education meetings.
"It's good to save money, because you never know when you may need some. I can
ask a friend for money, but maybe she will not have it or give it. Through my
group, I can get my own money." Gertrude's friends and family are very eager
for her to be a Mamasanté as well as a storekeeper. They tell her to bring them
what they need and she makes sure she has it in stock. "I want my children to
stay in school, keep being students, and not work with me. I want to reach people
as a Mamasanté." With a broad grin she concludes, "And yes, I want to make more
money."
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