This blog post was written by Megan Henderson, our Senior Communications & Events Officer.
We have seen many distressing headlines (here, here and here are just a few) about the ongoing unrest in Myanmar. Currently, our partners and members are safe, but they are facing an uncertain future. Most of them lived through the previous military regime and remember how difficult things were.
Our programme leaders in Myanmar have requested prayers for a peaceful resolution.
Although the future is uncertain, we know our Savings Groups are a great space for communities to support one another in the face of adversity. At present, our Groups cannot meet in Myanmar but, as Rowan Williams reminded us recently, hope is essential especially in dark times. We hope and pray that this story from Elizabeth, one of our members in Myanmar, is a sign that better times will return to Myanmar.
Elizabeth lives in a remote village where she has found a great community in her Savings Group. Elizabeth joined her Group and learned to save, and after receiving business training she was able to grow her sewing business.
Her business is important in her village. In normal times, people can come to Elizabeth to have a new shirt made, instead of spending money on transport to go to a bigger town with more services. When Elizabeth needed to replenish her materials for her tailoring orders, she could borrow from her Group, rather than go to a money lender who charges high interest.
Elizabeth’s larger income ensured she could get nutritious food for her elderly parents. She was able to meet her personal needs and even had enough to buy extra material to make herself new clothes. But Elizabeth was not only transforming her own life; she found other ways to contribute within her community; Elizabeth had enough income to help others in need. She provided snacks for children at the local nursery school run by her church.
Elizabeth gained trust through her Savings Group and found that she has good maths skills - she's now serving as the Group’s Accountant. Before, Elizabeth didn’t socialise much, but now she has made new friendships with other women in her group.
"We talk about issues that we are facing in our families, and share about how saving is helping us in our lives."
Although our Groups are not currently meeting in Myanmar, we pray they will continue to be a safe place for communities to come together, discuss the challenges they face and help one another to overcome them. Please remember Elizabeth and all her fellow Savings Group members across Myanmar in your prayers, along with their programme leaders as they seek to continue supporting and mentoring members remotely. We know that Savings Groups are a beacon of light in their communities, at a time when light is sorely needed. We hope members like Elizabeth can return to their Groups & businesses soon.