HOW DOES IT WORK?
- Tabitha has made an impact to 592,973 families with 4,743,784 dependents -
The Family Savings Programme is at the heart of Tabitha's work in Cambodia. It is the first step for impoverished Cambodian families toward changing their feelings of despair and hopelessness to hope for the future. Through savings, families can achieve their dreams: a safe and dry place to live, enough clothing, sufficient food to eat, clean water and schooling for their children.
Prior to the start of the Savings Programme, Tabitha staff members help families to develop a vision of a better life and each family decides what will be their savings goal. Families are encouraged to save a small amount each week. This money is collected by the local Tabitha staff. At the end of each 10-week savings cycle, the savings are returned.
The family is then encouraged to purchase their first "dream" - which may range from bare essentials such as a blanket, cooking pots and clothing to items that create additional opportunities to generate income (livestock, fishing net or sewing machine).
Families quickly see the benefits that savings bring and before long can afford bigger items that increase their opportunity to earn income, such as bicycle, a battery or by setting up a small business. This in turn allows the family to steadily increase their savings.
Tabitha's relationship with a family will last for 5 to 7 years. This allows them to break the cycle of poverty and graduate to financial independence.
