Amalia* was working at a convenience store but grappled with a sustainable source of income and relied on her son to pay for basic necessities. Despite hardships, she’d reamed of owning her own small retail store.

Through the support of Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation Philippines Inc. (ERMFPI), in partnership with the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), Amalia has found a lifeline in the Cebu Families Education for Enhanced Livelihoods(FEEL) project. She learned business, financial and entrepreneurial skills and gained access to seed funding. Amalia now has financial stability and can afford not only daily necessities to provides for her family but savings for emergencies and healthcare.

 

Her enterprise thrives by prioritising essential goods like food and hygiene products, attracting consistent customers and generating significant profits. This success allowed Amalia to expand her store and has brought her empowerment and self-reliance.

* In 2024, Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation’s CEBU families education for enhanced livelihood project in the Philippines was supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).

*not her real name

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On this International Women’s Day, Lucy’s* story is a testament to the power of opportunity, education, and perseverance.
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