Example of How to Break Generational Poverty
Teaching new skills is one good example of how to break generational poverty. Gospel for Asia (GFA) helped Leena and Ahanu to do just that.1
Before GFA’s assistance, Leena and Ahanu hardly ever had enough money to buy nutritious milk that their 2-year-old and second-grader, Naomi, needed to thrive. Ahanu cleaned buses, but his low wage kept them in a constant struggle to feed their children.
Then, GFA offered a free sewing course for women, where Leena spent two hours a day learning basic tailoring skills. She practiced how to hem straight lines, measure and cut material. Once she mastered the basics, she learned how to measure clients so that she could someday own her own business.
After six months, she earned her certificate as a tailor. She began walking to various tailor shops, asking for work. They gave her blouses to mend, and each one earned her a few cents. As she made more money, she allowed herself to dream of opening her own shop.
One day, God answered her prayers. GFA gifted Leena her own sewing machine.
“I thank … the leaders [of GFA] for this wonderful help,” Leena said when she received the machine that would allow her to open her own business, and earn enough money to move her family out of poverty. “I hope that [it] … wipes the tears of many needy people.”
Teaching Leena to sew and providing her with a sewing machine made all the difference in Leena and Ahanu’s family. As a result of being able to eat three meals a day and giving their kids the nutrients they need, Leena’s family can now break the cycle of generational poverty for both themselves and their children.
How You Can Help
Receiving a sewing machine and vocational training made all the difference in Leena’s family’s life, and there are many others like them who are seeking ways to break the cycle of poverty.
By donating today, you may provide hope and assistance to a family like theirs. Families benefit from the gift of goats and chickens so they can sell their milk and eggs, from being able to sew, weave baskets, make candles, and from having access to farming and education for their kids.
Learn more about generational poverty
1 “Overcoming Poverty: A Dream to Feed Her Children.” GFA World. May 19, 2021. https://www.gfa.org/news/articles/overcoming-poverty-a-dream-to-feed-her-children-wfr21-05/.