Rose is a mother of six who strives to build a better future for her family. Despite the challenges of raising a large family, she is determined to provide her children with opportunities she never had.
In her community in Malabon City, she has built and nurtured an egg business over the past two years. Encouraged by her friend, Rose decided to join Save the Children’s program, in partnership with Wells Fargo, the Financial Resilience Towards Economic Recovery (FREER) Project in 2023. This decision marked the start of her transformative journey.\
Before joining the FREER Project, managing household finances was a constant struggle for Rose. With four of her children in school, including a nursing student in college, budgeting was daunting. Rose recalls how difficult it was to stretch their limited income to cover daily needs and educational expenses. The FREER Project’s financial literacy sessions taught her important skills, such as budgeting and saving, which have contributed to her family’s financial stability.
Through FREER, she also became a member of a Community Savings Group (CSG), where participants support each other in saving money and improving their financial literacy. Her community savings group helped her connect with other members, exchanging stories and support.
“Dati hirap i-budget, pero ngayon kahit papaano nairaraos namin,” Rose shared. (Before, it was hard to budget, but now, we’ve found a way to manage)
With the help of the community savings group, she was also able to access small loans to supplement her business capital. These funds allowed her to expand her stock, purchasing both white and brown eggs for resale. Her daily earnings now average ₱500, enough to meet her family’s basic needs and contribute to her children’s education.
Rose attended all the training sessions and actively participates in the activities of her community savings group, ensuring she maximizes the benefits of being part of the group. “Marami akong natutunan sa community savings, lalo na para sa pamilya at sa negosyo ko,” she said gratefully. (I’ve learned a lot from the community savings, especially for my family and my business)
Rose believes education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and providing a brighter future for her family. She said,“Syempre makatapos ng pag-aaral ang mga anak ko. yun ang unang una kong pangarap para sa kanila.” (Of course, I want my children to finish their studies.That’s my first and foremost dream for them)
With unwavering determination, Rose is focused on ensuring her children complete their education, a goal she and her husband, a tricycle driver, are committed to achieving. As she continues to save and manage her business, she remains committed to the values and lessons she has learned, ensuring her journey of growth and resilience inspires her children and her community.