From Subsistence Farmer to Economically Independent Community Leader

Christina Safari, a single mother, was a coffee picker who took her first loan in 2013 with dreams of opening a small shop and renting some land to farm. Since taking out her first loan of $150 through the Rifty Economic Advancement Program (REAP), Christina has built two houses and sent two daughters to college. With the often prohibitively expensive cost of post-secondary education, being able to pay for two college degrees is an incredible achievement in our community.

Eli Frida Safari, watched as her sister Christina took out loans, started a business, repaid her loans, and enjoyed economic freedom. Inspired by her sister’s success, in 2015 Eli opened up her own shop with a loan from REAP. Today, Eli supports her family of two children and her husband. She has even purchased an investment property that she rents as a boarding house for additional income. 

Eli is passionate about helping others in her community access economic opportunities. As one of our community-based trainers, Eli shares the REAP program with aspiring entrepreneurs, helps them take out their first loan and manage loan repayments.

“I DIDN’T GO TO SCHOOL, BUT  NOW I AM THE ONE WHO SUPPORTS MY FAMILY. I AM ABLE TO PAY SCHOOL FEES AND ANY MEDICAL BILLS THAT ARISE. I ENJOY BEING A COMMUNITY BASED TRAINER BECAUSE I WANT PEOPLE TO BE SUCCESSFUL. I LOVE  ADVISING THEM ON HOW TO MAKE WISE MONEY DECISIONS LIKE PAYING FOR THEIR KIDS’ EDUCATION AND INVESTING IN LAND,” ELI EXPLAINED.

Christina and Eli Frida are two inspiring examples of how access to loans and foundational business training through REAP empowers nearly 1,000 community members to support themselves and their families. Such loans allow members of our community who are otherwise dependent on seasonal coffee picking to break the cycle of generational poverty by creating sustainable and dependable sources of income.