Michel Yangongo
Country Director, CAR
When Bernadette joined our Village Savings & Loan Association in Bouar, she had nothing. Two years later, she runs a tailoring business and has inspired 14 other women to join the program.
Bernadette Koyamba was a displaced mother of four when she joined the VSLA in 2024. She saved 500 CFA francs per week — less than $1 — and after six months took a small loan to buy a sewing machine.
Today, she employs two apprentices and earns enough to send all four children to school. Her story has become a recruitment tool: 14 other women joined the VSLA after seeing her success.
The Bouar VSLA now has 32 members who collectively save over 200,000 CFA francs per month. Members have funded businesses in tailoring, market trading, soap-making, and food processing.
Share Hope provides training in financial literacy, business planning, and group governance. The groups are designed to be self-sustaining after 18 months of support.