A Journey of Hope and Transformation: Olivia's Story

My name is Olivia Sililo, and I’m 47 years old. I live in Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi region. My life changed in 2007 when I joined the Zambezi Saving Scheme. Back then, I was unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. I realized that to improve my life, I needed to start saving money. Without savings, it’s difficult to achieve anything important, like having a home or providing for my family. Through the federation, I learned how to save money. At first, I started with small amounts, but over time, those little savings added up. I was able to pay my children’s school fees without worrying, which felt like a huge relief. Eventually, I saved enough to buy a plot of land and build a decent house. After years of living in a shack, I finally had a place to call home. This change made a big difference in my life. I no longer had to borrow money from others or feel ashamed about my living situation.

The impact of these changes went beyond just my home. They helped our entire community. Many members of the Zambezi Saving Scheme have also built homes and improved their lives through saving. More importantly, the federation provided training in gardening, which allowed us to start our own backyard gardens. With these gardens, we can grow fresh vegetables and have a steady source of food. This not only helps us eat healthier but also saves us money since we don’t have to buy as many groceries from the store. Growing our own food is especially important now, as we face challenges from climate change. Unpredictable weather can make it hard to find affordable food, but having our gardens helps us cope. We can adapt to rising prices and shortages by relying on what we grow ourselves. This gives us a sense of security and independence, knowing we can provide for our families, even in tough times.

 The federation has been a key player in making these changes happen. They guided us on how to save effectively and how to start and maintain our gardens. The training included sustainable gardening practices, which help us deal with climate issues like droughts. This means we are not just growing food; we are also learning how to protect our environment. The federation has also built a strong sense of community among us. We share ideas and support each other, which makes our networks even stronger. Leadership within the federation is open and encouraging. We learn from each other’s successes, and everyone has a chance to contribute. Each neighbourhood has its own leaders who help organize our efforts and keep communication flowing. If someone needs information or support, they can easily reach out to their local leader. This structure has made it easier for us to work together and share resources. My journey from struggling to thriving has shown me the power of saving, community, and hard work. Thanks to the Zambezi Saving Scheme, I have a safe home and a flourishing garden. Together, we are not just improving our lives but also creating a sustainable future for our families and community. I am proud of the changes we’ve made, and I look forward to what we can achieve together in the future.