By Eyimofe Samuel Omede
Mrs. Evelyn, a mother of two from Ondo State, was once a petty trader who sold garri (cassava flakes), corn, and provisions. Sadly, in August 2024, she lost her husband after a brief illness. His death brought great hardship to her family. She could no longer pay rent or her children’s school fees, and life became very difficult.
Evelyn moved with her two children to join her sister in the cocoa trade. She began working on cocoa farms, often walking long distances each day. Her work was hard, clearing bushes, carrying heavy loads, breaking cocoa pods, spraying chemicals, and fetching water. To survive, she had to involve her young children in this stressful farm work.
One day, a friend told her about Save the Children’s work in her community. Filled with hope, Evelyn reached out and was supported to reintegrate her children into school. She also received dignity kits and other basic items that eased her struggles.
Still worried about how to earn a living, Evelyn joined a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) through Save the Children in 2025. Through the group, she began learning about financial literacy and the importance of keeping simple financial records. For the first time since her husband’s death, she felt a renewed sense of direction.
She also attended Safe Family and Positive Parenting sessions, which gave her strength and new skills to raise her children in a safe and supportive way. With joy in her voice, Evelyn said: “I like the VSLA very well because I now know where I can save my money.”
Her son Daniel also shared his happiness: “I was very excited when I heard I would start school again. It is better than the hard labour I was doing on the farm.”
Today, Evelyn feels hopeful. She dreams of one day owning or renting her own farm and rebuilding her petty trade business. She believes that hard work, combined with the right support, will help her children grow up safe, educated, and with a brighter future.