Ruth Thrives With Support from Self-Help International

Ruth, a Self-Help International microcredit client, sells provisions from her shop.

“The [microcredit loans from Self-Help International] have helped me expand my business and improve my ability to manage both business and household needs.”

Ruth, a mother from Kukubuso in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, was working hard to help support her family, but the small wooden kiosk from which she sold provisions just didn’t earn enough to meet her household expenses. 

Ruth’s life began to change when she joined the Self-Help International Microcredit Program in 2017. Ruth’s first microcredit loan was just GHC 200 (approx. $45 USD in 2017). 

Through subsequent microcredit loans, Ruth has expanded her business to a shop attached to her house. She also began selling kenkey, a locally popular steamed corn dumpling, and she now has a cold store where she sells frozen protein products.

Ruth, a Self-Help International microcredit client, cooks fish to sell in her shop.
Ruth, a Self-Help International microcredit client, cooks fish to sell in her shop.

“Through the intervention and support from Self-help International, my business has grown significantly, which has also helped to increase my income,” says Ruth. “I am able to meet my responsibilities and support my family because of the assistance I have received. The intervention has made a significant difference in my life, and I have gained much from the opportunities provided.”

Self-Help International’s support went beyond microcredit loans, however. Ruth has also received business training and health education and screening.

Ruth, a Self-Help International microcredit client, prepares kenkey to sell in her shop.
Ruth, a Self-Help International microcredit client, prepares kenkey to sell in her shop.

Through one of the training sessions on budgeting, Ruth learned the importance of saving, and she began setting aside money to support the growth of her business and ensure timely loan repayments.

Ruth’s financial situation has improved so much she has begun building a house with a storeroom for her business. She also has helped her second-born son grow his own business, and her third-born daughter has successfully completed her nursing training.

Ruth, a Self-Help International microcredit client, stands in front of her unfinished home.
Ruth, a Self-Help International microcredit client, stands in front of her unfinished home.

Ruth’s family is the driving force behind all of her hard work.

 “I want to provide better educational opportunities for my three younger children,” says Ruth. “My greatest aspiration is to see my children become educated, skilled, and successful professionals who are well-equipped to build better lives for themselves and contribute positively to society.”

Not only has Self-Help International made an incredible impact on Ruth’s family, it has touched nearly every person in the village of Kukubuso. 

“The change we are witnessing is truly remarkable,” says Ruth. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who brought Self-Help International to our community and continues to support this life-changing work. May God richly bless you all.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    207 20th St. NW Ste. A Waverly, IA 50677
    3100 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
    •
    •
    Connect With Us
    EIN- 42-0844679
    Join Our Mailing List
    Subscribe to receive inspiration, ideas, and news in your inbox.
    ©2026
    Self-Help International, a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

    Powered by Wapiti Digital #servetheherd

    This is a heading.

    This is a basic text element.

    Rich Text

    This is my rich text.

    I am a subheading

    This is more rich text.

    • I am a list

    • Lists are cool