This blog post was written by our Creative Communications & Events Officer, Megan Henderson.
Aamira at her business in South Sudan.
Recently, we introduced you to our member, Aamira, through our BBC Radio 4 Appeal which aired from 26th July - 1st August 2020. If you haven’t had an opportunity to hear Aamira’s story, presented by Sandi Toksvig, we encourage you to listen to it here!
With support from her Five Talents’ Savings Group Aamira was able to rebuild her life after war and conflict invaded her village and left her without a husband or a home. Through it all, Aamira dreamed of a better life for herself and her four children.
The small grocery business Aamira started with help from her Savings Group is thriving, and she is still operating during the pandemic because her goods are considered essential. Aamira’s business is paying for her children’s school fees, medical care and the rent for their home. And recently with her income, she was able to buy a plot of land - one day, she hopes to build a home of her own.
Aamira keeps dreaming big and achieving more. All she needed was a little helping hand from her Five Talents Savings Group.
“Life was difficult, but now I am happy.” - Aamira, South Sudan
Your support of our BBC Radio 4 Appeal will help women in eastern Africa achieve great things, just like Aamira. Sandi Toksvig visited our programme in Tanzania 10 years ago and today a basket from the journey sits on her desk to remind her of the women she met there. Sandi’s support telling Aamira’s story has helped bring Five Talents to new audiences across the UK.
"I love Five Talents, it's so simple. It's such a great idea, and it's so wonderful to have something that you truly feel you can get behind. I think they deserve all the money in the world."
So far, the appeal has raised over £15,000! We’ve attached a special message from Sandi below.