ASA-GV - CLIENT SUCCESS STORY

Govindammal

ASA-GV Client Since: 2003
Age: 35, Widow
Children: One son and one daughter
Hometown: Thiruvanaikovil, India
Loan History: 1st loan, $67; 2nd loan, $89; 3rd loan, $109
Business: Bamboo weaving (basket, sieve and fan making)

When Govindammal lost her husband at the early age of 28, she and her two children moved back into her mother’s house. To continue the family business of making bamboo baskets, sieves and fans, she borrowed from the local money lender. Govindammal’s income of less than $1.78 per day was not enough to pay the exorbitant interest on her loan and also take care of her family.

After joining ASA-GV in 2003, Govindammal used her first loan of $67 to pay off debts to local money lenders and build up her business. With her subsequent loan of just $89, she set up a small shop in front of her house to display and sell her products. The shop is doing well and she is now making more than $4 per day—twice as much as before—and she no longer worries about being stuck in a cycle of dependence upon the money lenders.

Govindammal proudly states, “ASA-GV has saved me from the dreadful clutches of the money lenders. I can face the world bravely and independently, as long as ASA-GV is there to support me. I am now confident that I can take good care of my children and also provide them with a quality education and thereby achieve my life’s ambition.”