Vida was in Senior High School at this time, and once relieved of the financial burden of her tuition and basic needs, she thrived in her studies. After graduating from High School, Vida joined the Camfed alumnae network, CAMA, a growing and powerful movement of young women passionate about turning the tide of poverty across Africa. Through CAMA, Vida had the opportunity to access interest-free loans, as well as financial literacy and entrepreneurship training, which gave her the skills and resources she needed to start her own business.
Vida with students in her community (Photo: Camfed)
Having grown up in a community predominantly dependent on subsistence farming, Vida recognised the need for more sustainable and large-scale agricultural projects. Vida produces rice, beans and Tom Brown (a nutritious blend of wheat, maize, millet, groundnuts, and soya beans widely used to make porridge for young children), which she then sells to local stores for a profit. Vida’s business has flourished and she is now financially independent, supporting her family beyond their means and injecting prosperity into her community.
Becoming a CAMA member has changed Vida’s life in more ways than one. As well as providing her with a network of support, it has improved her confidence and self esteem. Alongside other CAMA members, Vida has taken it upon herself to ensure that the next generation of girls in her community stay in school and work hard for their futures.
Vida's business continues to go from strength to strength. Last year, she built a processing centre for her supplies. This year, she plans to build a shop to sell her products to her community and increase trade in her village. Vida's mother is her proudest supporter and marvels at how an education has transformed their small farm into a thriving enterprise. She says, “In all my years as a farmer, I hadn’t made a profit like I did last year working with my daughter. She is a role model.”
CAMA members like Vida understand better than anyone how hunger and poverty can be a major barrier to education. It is this first-hand experience that makes them perfectly placed to unlock opportunities for the next generation of girls, turning the tide of poverty across Africa.