When people's potential is awakened, aspirations come to them. Women in Business Development seeks to build a solid economic foundation for rural Samoans by creating opportunities that use their local resources. In doing this, families begin to realise their potential and not only participate in our programmes, but start to form their own local enterprises.
Na'asona Va'a
Banana Farmer
“I am Naasona Vaa, 59 years of age and residing at the village of Tuanai-uta with my family. I joined WIBDI in 2007. My family is a poor family and we rely mostly on fishing and farming for food and living expenses as no one in my family is in the workforce. But when I joined the Organic Programme through WIBDI there was a big change for my family in that we were now receiving financial assistance.
“When I started with WIBDI I lived in a fale, which I still do, but now I have been able to build a new kitchen and another shelter so there is more room for my family”
WIBDI started to harvest the misiluki from my farm once or twice a month, which gave us money to better care for the family. It was the first time we were able to have a savings account, which has given us the opportunity to budget our income. When I was in need, WIBDI allowed me to take out a loan to care for my daughter and pay her school fees.
When I started with WIBDI I lived in a fale, which I still do, but now I have been able to build a new kitchen and another shelter so there is more room for my family. These changes have improved our lives for the better and have bought me joy. With this joy I will continue to support the Organics Programme and get a better understanding on how to manage my farm organically and how to prune and control pests. My relationship with WIBDI continues to get stronger.
Last but not least, I thank you very much for your assistance and help during this time. It has built up my confidence in the work WIBDI is doing.”
