Bi Somoe Athuman Ally: A Family’s Revival
Bi Somoe Athuman Ally, a 47-year-old mother of four from Mnazi Mmoja village, embodies resilience and the transformative power of savings groups. Her journey is a testament to how community-driven initiatives can help families overcome crisis and reclaim hope.
A Family on the Brink
In June 2023, Bi Somoe faced a life-altering challenge when a serious illness drained her family’s finances. To pay for her treatment, they borrowed 300,000 TZS, putting their five-acre cashew nut farm—their main source of livelihood—at risk as collateral. When the 2023 season failed to yield a harvest, the family faced the devastating prospect of losing both their income and food security
A Lifeline Through Savings
Bi Somoe’s turning point came in December 2023 when she joined a savings group, which had been facilitated by DMDO. She began contributing and purchasing shares in the group, finding renewed hope in collective savings and accessible loans.
By May 2024, Bi Somoe was able to borrow 300,000 TZS from her savings group. This crucial loan allowed her to repay the debt and reclaim her farm. With her family’s support, she prepared the land for a new agricultural season.Today, Fatuma trains two students, with three more preparing to join. Her work is more than skill-building; it’s life-changing.
Transformation Through Resilience
The efforts bore fruit—literally and figuratively. By the end of the 2024 season, Bi Somoe earned 2,000,000 TZS from her revitalised farm. This income empowered her to:
Purchase a television, creating a welcoming home and boosting her children’s confidence among peers.
Provide for her children’s education, ensuring their future is secure.
Cover household expenses and reinvest in the farm, strengthening her family’s stability.
Bi Some with her children and neighbours resting at home watching television
Inspiring Others to Act
Bi Somoe now encourages other women to join savings groups, sharing how they’ve helped her overcome unexpected challenges and achieve her dreams. “These groups,” she says, “enable us to tackle family financial crises and build better lives.”
A Brighter Future, Together
Bi Somoe’s story underscores the profound impact of savings groups facilitated by DMDO. These groups empower rural communities to fight poverty, rebuild lives, and transform futures.
By supporting initiatives like savings groups, we can unlock opportunities for more families like Bi Somoe’s, ensuring that resilience and determination have the resources they need to thrive.
