It’s been 17 years since HOPE International began partnering with churches in Rwanda to bring savings groups to families living in poverty. Over that time, we’ve partnered with more than 2,900 churches to serve more than 720,000 savings group members! We thank God for the opportunity to serve so many men and women with our Rwandan church partners.
At the same time, we know the need is still great. Today, of the 13 million people in Rwanda, 40% of the population still lives on less than $2.90 a day (World Bank).
To better reach more families and ensure we’re serving our current savings group members well, we regularly sit down with people we serve to hear from them. In 2022, we interviewed 312 savings group members served by HOPE Rwanda—and the results were encouraging!
The survey
Specifically, we administered the HOPE Quotient: a listening tool that assesses the spiritual, material, personal, and social impact of HOPE’s work. In addition to surveying HOPE savings group members, we conducted a parallel survey among men and women in Rwanda who aren’t part of a HOPE savings group.
After analyzing the results, we saw a positive correlation between participating in a HOPE savings group and experiencing holistic impact! Here’s what we learned.
Savings group members are being transformed by Scripture.
84% of HOPE Rwanda savings group members changed something about the way they live because of studying Scripture in savings group meetings.
62% feel “very much” more able to learn from Scripture on their own as a result of studying the Word in their group.
Before, I didn’t pray because I did not care about God, but when I got into the group, I received salvation.
HOPE Quotient participant
Savings group members build financial resilience.
56% of members are able to meet an emergency need (come up with ~$56 U.S. in one month), compared to 15% before joining the group.
55% of members started saving because of joining their savings group.
I plan to pay school fees for my children. I also plan to buy a cow.
HOPE Quotient participant
Savings groups bolster dignity and hope for the future.
97% of members agree or strongly agree that they have hope their dreams will come to pass.
63% agree or strongly agree that they have access to support to change their current situation, compared to 48% of the comparison group.
I used to be weak, but the group helped me to regain my strength.
HOPE Quotient participant
Savings groups strengthen relationships.
94% of members said that trust between group members has gotten better over the last year, compared to 79% of the comparison group.
87% have received spiritual support from members of their savings group.
I always share problems with my fellow members, and they help me. We pray and learn the word of God together. This increases our mutual trust.
HOPE Quotient participant
Impact in action: Protais’ story
Protais Rubahiza, with his wife
When we talk with members like Protais Rubahiza, we see how the initial impact of savings groups compounds over time. Protais has been a member of his savings group for 12 years! Before joining, he worked day jobs and lacked housing for himself and his seven children: “I had no stability.”
Because of his faithful commitment to the group, he now owns several successful business ventures. He has given 12 cows to his neighbors and helps another neighbor pay their children’s school fees. “I have come to realize I have the gift of generosity,” he says. Watch this video for more of Protais’ story. Praise God for the way He’s transforming men and women like Protais around the world!
We’re committed to listening to those we serve to better understand their experience with savings groups and microfinance services and how it impacts their lives. By actively collecting data and responding to feedback, we can better tailor our services to meet the unique needs of entrepreneurs worldwide.
Join our list of prayer partners to receive email updates from across the HOPE network and pray with us for God to continue to use HOPE for His glory and the good of underserved families. Or, for more data-driven examples of how HOPE serves families in poverty, check out our impact page.
Pictured above: Mignone Mbabazi, a seamstress and member of the Hinduka (“change”) savings group in Rwanda, holds up a dress she made
