Here’s a spotlight on one of the communities where your support can make a real difference.

Sapang Buho is a small community of just over 3,300 people, located on the banks of the Pampanga River in the province of Nueva Ecija, the Philippines. The majority of families in the community rely on agriculture – mostly vegetable and rice production – and trading kiosks to earn an income. Small loans are helping mothers like Yvonne (pictured) build their own small businesses and work towards a secure future.

If you lived in Sapang Buho, your family would probably share a small two- or three-room house. Most houses have toilets and electricity, but you might have to get your clean water from a communal water pump, which needs to be manually pumped.

The local markets are about six kilometres away, but you can get food from local sari sari (grocery) stores. A bowl of rice will cost about Php.13 (A$0.34) and is the staple of most meals. The main health issue in the community is malnutrition, and as heartbreaking as it may be, you may not be able to afford to feed your children the types of food they need. With a small business, mothers like Yvonne are able to earn the income they need to put a stop to this.

You can invest in mothers in communities like Sapang Buho and help them leave poverty behind. Your gift can help a mother start a business and earn the income she needs to afford nutritious meals, clean water and education for her children.