Salvatory, a rice farmer in Northern Tanzania, once earned an income of TZS 200,000-300,000 ($80-120) a month, barely enough to feed his family. They often skipped meals, lived in a rented house, and struggled to pay their children’s school fees.
In 2016, his life changed through the Transforming Household Resilience in Vulnerable Communities programme (THRIVE 2030), an integrated programme led by World Vision and VisionFund, which equipped him with skills and confidence to improve his livelihood.
One of the trainings he received is the Empowered Worldview, which changed his views and helped him realise his God-given potential. He also learned to manage his finances, keep records, and access loans. Joining a savings group also opened his eyes to new opportunities through shared learning.
With his first loan of TZS 500,000 ($200) from VisionFund Tanzania in 2017, Salvatory expanded into selling rice, beans, and groceries. Over time, he completed 11 loan cycles, growing his business into a licensed retail stop in the town centre. He even built a small store near his home.
Today, he earns about TZS 3 million ($1,200) a month, employs three people, and provides for the needs of his four children, including nutritious food, private education, and quality healthcare.
“I want my kids to go further in life and be successful. That is why I am investing in their education,” he says.
He and his wife work as partners, making decisions together about both their family and their businesses. Together, they have invested in four acres of farmland, purchased two plots, and built a new home.
From barely making ends meet to running a successful, thriving business, Salvatory’s story is proof that financial services and capacity building can transform lives.