Venezuela Earthquake Relief
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Didier Nagifi
Angélique, a mother of eight in the Democratic Republic of Congo, faced financial hardship when her husband lost his job. Through the World Vision’s Child Sponsorship programme, she received training in farming, poultry and duck rearing, as well as savings techniques. By applying these skills, she increased her harvests and was able to pay for her children’s education, two of whom have since become nurses. She now raises pigs and dreams of opening a pharmacy with her children. Grateful and empowered, Angélique says World Vision’s support transformed her family’s lives.
Like many families in the country, they have faced difficult times. When her husband lost his job, the impact on their household was immediate, especially on the education of their children, including three who are sponsored.
“Paying for their schooling became a real struggle,” she recalls.
Through the Child Sponsorship programme, Angélique was selected to participate in training on agricultural techniques. Although she had been farming before, her methods were basic and yielded poor results. The training changed her perspective.
“World Vision taught us that a field must be nourished to produce well. I applied everything I learned, and my harvest, especially vegetables, improved significantly,” she explains.
With better yields, she was able to sell her produce and pay for her children’s education. Two of them completed their studies in nursing. But her journey didn’t stop there.
Angélique also received training in poultry farming and financial literacy, learning how to manage her income and save. She began raising chickens, which generated additional income. Later, she was trained in duck farming. The ducks reproduced, and she sold seven pairs to World Vision for $175, at $25 per pair. This sale not only boosted her income but also helped World Vision support other families with starter livestock.
With the $175 earned, Angélique bought a sewing machine for one of her sons, who had just graduated in tailoring. This enabled him to open his own workshop.
“I’ve farmed, raised chickens and ducks… and with my savings, I bought a pig,” she shares.
World Vision later provided her with another pair of pigs to help increase her household income. Today, Angélique is a proud and fulfilled woman in her community, recognised for her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Her dream is now to open a pharmacy in her community, working alongside her two children who studied nursing.
“I’m at peace. I can easily pay for my children’s education. Thank you to World Vision for all the good they’re doing in our community,” she concludes with gratitude.
