Rahama's Story
Freezer Microloan Helps Ghanaian Mother Support Family
Rahama Abukari is a single mother who lives with her two children in a small village near Tamale, Ghana. She sells cold drinks for a living and, before receiving a Deki loan, was earning less than £1 a day. Profits were minimal and sometimes non-existent. Rahama could barely pay the rent, let alone pay her childrens school fees.
Seeing the chance to expand her business and increase her income, Rahama went to the local bank. Unfortunately, without any loan collateral she was turned away. Family and friends were also unable to help, leaving her struggling to make ends meet.
When she was forced to meet her child's school teacher to tell him she could no longer pay the school fees, he told Rahama about the support available from CEDIS - Deki''s field partner. After approaching CEDIS, she joined several other women receiving entrepreneurship training and then registered for a Deki loan.
With the loan, Rahama bought a deep freezer. This has enabled her to buy stock in greater quantities, resulting in increased profits and a more stable income. This regular income has had a big impact on Rahama and her children''s quality of life. Though they are still recovering from years of living in poverty, they are now able to pay the rent and cover school fees.
Rahama has big plans and would like to continue working hard so she can expand the business in the future. This will enable her to build a house and fulfil her dream of sending her children to University.
"I am experiencing a new life of comfort, good health, happiness and hope as a result of the loan. Thank you to CEDIS and DEKI for your wonderful support. Without you life will have been something else for me and my family."