Safi Msafiri had always struggled to make ends meet, but when she attended the Community Transformation Program organized by Twelve21 Global, everything began to change. The program aimed to equip parents of students with skills to utilize the resources around them, improving their lives and lifting them out of extreme poverty.
One day, during a meeting at Amani School, the headmaster asked if the training had helped the parents in any way. With a bright smile, Safi confidently raised her hand and shared her story.
She recounted how, after attending the program, she and her neighbor saw an opportunity to start a small business selling Pemba (small sticks made of clay soil that usually pregnant women eat). With only a small capital, they purchased their first sack of Pemba soil from Mwanza and began selling it in their community. It was not an easy journey at first—there were days when sales were slow, and they had to strategize on how to attract more customers. But they remained determined.
Slowly, their business grew. They learned how to reinvest their profits, expand their customer base, and manage their finances wisely. What began as a small joint venture eventually blossomed into independent businesses for each of them. Safi proudly shared that she used to struggle to afford even one meal a day, but now, thanks to the business, she could provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner for herself and her family.
Gratitude filled her heart as she acknowledged the impact of the program. It was not just about education for their children—it was about empowering parents to break the cycle of poverty. Through knowledge and determination, she and her friend had transformed their lives, creating a sustainable source of income and a brighter future for their families.
