Stories Lydia
Island: Sumba
Country: Indonesia
Loan Use: Opened a small grocery kiosk
“My name is Lydia and I live with my three of my children – Ridwan, Rambu and Kudu. A few years ago, my husband died suddenly from a heart attack, while I slept beside him. He managed our small farm, selling vegetables in the market and buying and selling cattle. After his death, I struggled to grow sufficient vegetables to earn enough to support my family. My kids couldn't go to school because I wasn't able to pay the tuition fees and they often went hungry. It broke my heart. I had to figure out how I would take care of my kids without my husband.”
Things began to change for Lydia when she applied for a small loan from Opportunity International Australia, enabling her to buy stock to start a small grocery kiosk. Investing in items such as soap, noodles, rice, eggs and sugar, Lydia was soon earning a regular income – enough to feed her family proper meals again and send her children back to school.
Before I didn’t have a shop, I carried a heavy burden. But now the burden is gone. With this shop, I can now meet my family’s daily needs. Sending my children to school is what motivates me. I have a dream that someday my children will have a good job so they can take care of others.”
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