At just 28 years old, Feza had already faced more than her share of hardship. Newly married and raising a young child in the Sange Watershed of the Democratic Republic of Congo, she and her husband struggled to stay afloat. The lack of income threatened not only their financial stability but the foundation of their household itself. For a time, it felt like everything was at risk.
Before encountering Plant With Purpose, Feza did what she could to survive. She sold homemade donuts in front of her home, earning only enough to get through the day. There was no clear path forward, no opportunity to grow or plan for the future.
That began to change when she joined the Purpose Group Ushindi, formed through the Plant With Purpose program in her watershed. Through the group, Feza received training in savings and lending, and for the first time, had access to a financial support system that allowed her to think beyond daily survival.
With support from her Purpose Group, Feza was able to pursue a business idea that had the potential to change her life. During mango season, she began purchasing mangoes directly from the trees in local fields before they ripened—securing the fruit in advance and positioning herself to sell them at market when demand was highest. Over time, she expanded her efforts, purchasing four entire mango fields to further strengthen her business.
The sight of her yard filled with packed bags of fruit, waiting to be transported to the regional capital of Bukavu, marked a turning point. The once fragile household that had struggled to meet even basic needs now had a source of reliable income. The results were clear: greater stability in her marriage, the ability to provide medical care for her child, and support for the education of her younger siblings.
Feza’s experience demonstrates the true sustainability of Plant With Purpose’s model. By equipping families with tools for long-term resilience—economic empowerment, environmental restoration, and community support—this approach frees people from the cycle of dependency. Feza no longer needs to rely on short-term relief. She is actively building a more secure and independent future.
Her story also reflects the interconnected nature of the challenges that Plant With Purpose addresses. Economic instability, environmental degradation, and family strain are often treated as separate issues, yet they are deeply intertwined. Feza’s journey shows that a holistic response—one that addresses the root causes—can lead to lasting transformation.
This progress is made possible through the generosity of Purpose Partners who believe in sustainable solutions and the dignity of every individual. Feza’s transformation is not just a personal success—it’s part of a growing movement of families reclaiming their futures through partnership, perseverance, and purpose.
