Sixteen years ago, when Treasure moved to South Africa, she only had $2 to her name.
“Like so many others in this country, I knew that if I was going to be able to support my family, my only option was to start my own business. There just were no jobs to be had,” Treasure explained.
Today, Treasure is the proud owner of a “tuck shop”, where she sells snacks to children after school and to the parents who come to pick their children up.
All morning she bakes and cooks––everything from muffins, to homemade pizzas to sandwiches and much more. Then, just as the school day comes to a close, she sets up her little table and puts on a beautiful smile, ready to greet her customers and sell her delicious goods.
As a single mother of several grown children, Treasure’s generosity knows no bounds. In addition to sending money home to her children in her native country of Zimbabwe, she also supports eight orphans who have lost their parents due to AIDs and other illnesses.
Treasure has been involved in the Paradigm Shift program at Weltevreden Chapel for more than a year, and she has faithfully repaid each loan, turning her loan money around to purchase income-generating ingredients and utensils for her cooking.
She has increased her business income by 82% since she started applying the business training and microloan she has received. She was a Christian before, but she says her faith has come alive now in a whole new way.
Treasure was mentored by Jenny and the two of them became close friends, meeting weekly for coffee and often going to craft shoes and workshops together. Their friendship has impacted both of their lives significantly and will surely last for years to come.
Treasure truly embodies her name. She is a shining example to her fellow loan family members, her friends and her family.
Now you can make it possible for an entrepreneur like Treasure to participate in the Paradigm Shift program. Click here
