Whenever Jeanne wanted money, she would beg. She would beg from her husband and from her neighbors. Her husband made enough to put food on the table, pay for basic health care and school fees. After paying for any pressing needs, he spent the leftover money on extra food and beer.  

Savings were non-existent. Jeanne’s family lived in decent rented house, yet Nyiraneza dreamed of owning her own home. She frequently brought the subject up with her husband, but they never had enough money to start building.

When her church’s savings group held a meeting, she learned about the importance of savings. She joined the group and committed to saving at least 200 francs (35 US cents) per day. From then on, whenever her husband gave her money to purchase food, she was frugal and set aside 200 francs. Her peers held her accountable and pretty soon saving had become a part of Nyiraneza’s everyday life. 

Eventually she had saved 50,000 francs.  She was able to combine that with a loan of 150,000 (265 US) to purchase metal roofing sheets and basic adobe bricks to begin construction on her house. After months of saving, Nyiraneza, her husband and four children moved into their very own home. Nyiraneza is proud of her house and has plans to add more rooms and one day cement the dirt floor. 

“[The savings group] has enhanced my dignity and taught me the importance of saving. I no longer beg my husband for money,” said Nyiraneza.  Now that she knows what she can do by saving little by little, she plans to start a business and sell used clothing to the community.