Lydia

Forty-year-old Lydia is a dedicated mother of five children. She lives with her partner and children in a local settlement on Vanuatu’s island of Efate. Her partner is a taxi driver, and four of her children attend school. 

To supplement her income, Lydia makes simboro, a local dish made from grated banana and island cabbages and sells it at a kava bar. She opened her business three years ago with the aim to financially support her family's daily expenses. 

Lydia wishes to buy bananas and island cabbages to cook more simboro to sell. She is presently financially stressed, so she is requesting a loan to buy these ingredients. Her profits will be used to cover basic needs and her children's school fees, and add to her savings. Her dream is to grow her business and improve her family's living conditions.