A Mother’s Day Story of Strength and Resilience
This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating mothers like Rose Magombo—women whose unwavering strength and resilience are reshaping the future for their families and communities. In rural Malawi, where advantages are scarce and setbacks are common, Rose’s story reminds us just how powerful a mother’s love—and support—can be.
From Struggle to Strength
Born and raised in the same community in rural Malawi, Rose Magombo has seen her village change over the decades, witnessing both hardship and progress. For Rose, her journey, especially in recent years, has been profoundly impacted by her participation in the life-changing graduation program.
Rose’s early years were marked by struggle. She moved into her current home in 1994 and immediately faced numerous challenges. “Life was very difficult,” she recalls. The community, primarily dependent on farming, faced unpredictable weather patterns that often determined their livelihood. “If the rain didn’t come well, we wouldn’t harvest,” she explains, detailing the uncertainty that came with each planting season for her maize and peas.
Rose worked tirelessly to provide for her family, often waking at 2:00 a.m. to travel the long distance to the local market to sell her crops. Arriving early allowed her to secure a good spot and give her the best chance at selling her goods that day. Other days in the village were challenging in a different way, when she looked for any type of piecemeal work but still could not put food on the table for her family.
Rebuilding and Rising
Rose’s life took a positive turn when Opportunity International arrived in her village. Opportunity introduced a graduation program designed to uplift families from poverty by providing them with the tools and resources needed for build a sustainable life. Rose was one of the many who eagerly joined the program, initially attending meetings in the nearby town, Zambezi.
“They started telling us to go to Zambezi for meetings. We have been meeting there regularly, receiving livestock, and taking care of them,” Rose shares. The support extended beyond livestock; Opportunity International also provided business capital, housing assistance, and crucial training on personal and household hygiene.
These interventions were especially timely after Cyclone Freddy devastated the area, leaving many, including Rose, without proper shelter. A special dispensation provided participants with financial assistance to rebuild their homes to make sure they could stay on track with their overall progress out of poverty. She now has safe and comfortable living space, a stark contrast to her previous conditions.
“I am very happy with what Opportunity has done for me,” she says with a smile. Her life, once filled with uncertainty and hardship, has become more stable and prosperous. The livestock of goats she received has multiplied, providing both a source of income and food security.
For Rose, the program has not only provided material benefits but has also brought a sense of dignity and self-respect. “Some people used to look down on me, but now we interact together,” she remarks, highlighting the social impact of her newfound stability. When asked what she would tell others considering joining the program, Rose advises them to embrace the opportunity wholeheartedly. “Be attentive to advice and follow what the advisors say,” she encourages.
Rose recently graduated from the program—an emotional milestone that marked not just the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new chapter. “I am very happy and joyful,” she shared during the ceremony, filled with gratitude and optimism for what lies ahead. With the knowledge, resources, and confidence she has gained, Rose is eager to continue building a brighter future for herself and her family.
Rose’s story is a testament to the extraordinary things mothers can achieve when they’re equipped with the right tools and support. This Mother’s Day, we honor the strength of women like Rose—and the donors who make their progress possible.
Because when you invest in mothers, you invest in the future.
