Aline’s story
How Christian Aid helped Aline transform her life and climb out of extreme poverty.
Pushed to the brink of survival
Poverty pushed Aline to the brink of survival. She was abused, homeless and hungry. But Aline pushed back harder.
Driven by hope, faith and the love of her children, Aline was able to fight against the inhumanity of poverty and build herself a new life.
How Christian Aid supported
Hungry, scorned and alone, Aline took her first step towards her new life. She started by participating in a transformative three-day community workshop, funded by Christian Aid.
‘I came out with amazing knowledge and skills. The trainer restored a sense of hope and energy in me,’ says Aline.
She was taught how to form a Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) and establish a steady income, though our partner Network of Religious Confessions for the Promotion of Health and Integral Wellbeing of the Family (RCBIF). VSLAs mean people can save for their future and borrow money to kickstart small rural businesses. With all she had learned, Aline’s dream of getting her children back finally felt possible.
Building a business
With a small start-up loan, Aline started trading avocados and peanuts locally. With her profits, she bought a bicycle so she could transport greater quantities of goods to markets further afield. Eventually, her hard work had finally paid off, and she had earned the money she needed to rent a house.
Once Aline secured a home for herself, her three eldest sons were able to escape their father and join her. They told Aline that their father had abused them and sent their three young siblings to live with different members of his family.
Aline still hopes that she’ll be reunited with her youngest children in time.
Today, Aline lives peacefully on her own plot of land in her village. She’s baked her own bricks and is building a strong home for her and her children in every sense.
Now Aline can afford food, clothes and essential healthcare for her family. She’s also purchased solar panels so her children can do their evening homework by electric light.
‘I like to feed my family with the produce that I grow, such as beans, vegetables and corn. I am so happy that we are together. Now my children feel supported as they have a parent who can meet their needs.’
– Aline.
If you would like to support the work of Christian Aid and help people like Aline, please follow this link: St Andrew’s Church Christian Aid Appeal