How a widow in Tanzania rebuilt her family’s future

Ritha, 57, lives in the Saseni watershed in Tanzania. A devoted mother of four—three daughters and one son, she never expected to face life alone.

But in 2019, when her husband passed away, everything changed.

Suddenly, Ritha became the sole provider for her family. Without steady income or support, the responsibility felt overwhelming.

“I thought my life was over when my husband died,” she recalls. “I worried about how I could raise four children all alone.”

Providing food, paying school fees, and meeting daily needs often felt impossible.

Discovering a New Path

In 2021, a neighbor invited Ritha to join a Purpose Group through Floresta Tanzania, Plant With Purpose’s local partner.

At first she hesitated. But the opportunity to save money, access small loans, and learn better farming practices gave her hope.

“When I joined the group, I felt hope for the first time in a long time,” she says.

Through the group, Ritha discovered that she could borrow money at a fair rate, invest in her family’s future, and repay the loan gradually.

“That was the moment I realized my life could change,” she explains. “It gave me courage and dignity.”

Small Steps, Big Change

Ritha began saving 1,500 Tanzanian shillings each week. Through training in sustainable agriculture and financial management, she gained the confidence to take her first loan of 300,000 shillings (about $115 USD) .

She used part of the money to support her children’s education and invested the rest in a pregnant cow.

In June 2023, Ritha made another strategic decision.

After the cow gave birth, Ritha sold milk for additional income. She then sold the mother cow and used the income to support her youngest daughter’s tailoring training. She kept the calf, allowing her livestock project to continue growing.

With the remaining money, she purchased a sewing machine for 320,000 Tanzanian shillings.

“That sewing machine has been life-changing,” Ritha says. “It allows my daughter to earn money and also helps support the family.”

For Ritha, empowering her children with skills and education is one of the greatest rewards of her progress.

She also invested in tree planting, growing about 120 trees on her land—benefiting both her family and the environment.

“One big decision I made was to invest in trees,” she says. “Now I know they will benefit my family and protect the land.”

A Future Filled With Hope

Today, Ritha’s life looks very different.

With income from farming, livestock, and her daughter’s tailoring work, she is able to provide for her family and plan for the future.

“I used to think I was just a poor widow,” she says. “Now I see myself as capable—someone who can make wise decisions and plan for tomorrow.”

Even more meaningful is the peace she now feels.

“The greatest change is peace of mind,” she says. “I know my children have a better chance in life.”

A Community That Feels Like Family

Ritha says the Purpose Group has given her more than financial stability—it has given her a community.

“Before, I felt lonely,” she says. “Now we support each other. When someone is struggling, the group stands with them.”

Inspired by her own journey, Ritha hopes to encourage other women in her village—especially widows who feel alone.

“I want them to see that even when life is hard, it is possible to rise again,” she says.

And thanks to the support of partners like you, families like Ritha’s are doing exactly that—building lives of dignity, stability, and hope.