Five Questions with Monica from Ozama, Dominican Republic

Monica lives in the Ozama watershed of the Dominican Republic. Several years ago, she began her journey with Plant With Purpose. Joining a Purpose Group introduced stability and an opportunity for her to apply her many skills and talents towards her family’s and community’s development. Her experience happens to be quite typical of members of her community who have seen their lives transformed by our partnerships in the Dominican Republic.

Monica, how has being part of Plant With Purpose impacted your life?

Well, my life before was backwards. I was a very shy woman, and I did not share much with the people in my community. 

I had no experience of saving because I had never dedicated myself to saving. My mind was a bit dark. But over the years that I have been in the savings group, I have totally transformed my life. Now I am aware of so much more.

Before, I had no control over anything. I did not participate in any community activities. Now I have learned how to apply my personality. Joining the Purpose Group and participating in the weekly meetings awakened my abilities little by little. 

I now feel confident to express my ideas in the group. Now the people of the community have me as a leader. I get invited to represent the community in a variety of activities.

Why do you feel better now?

Because my income now is 100% better than before. Now I have the capacity to plan to invest my savings in productive things for my family. 

Being in a Purpose Group has had positive effects on my personal development and that of my daughters. They have been able to advance in their studies. My husband and I have been able to improve the plot of land we cultivate. We raise some animals, and we are able to solve economic situations that were almost impossible before.

Monica, how have the loans you have taken in the group helped you, and which has been the one you consider most important?

I have taken at least eight loans. The one that I felt was most valuable was the one I took last year to solve a situation with the last pregnancy with my youngest child. I had some complications, and it was not harvest time so it was difficult. 

With the loan I took, I could tend to all my medical needs, and thanks to God, my husband and I were able to solve that difficult moment. I feel very happy to have met an institution that helps people solve their own problems in a sustainable way. I say that because what I learned through Plant With Purpose will be useful for my whole life. It will empower my daughters and other people who need guidance in my community or in other neighboring communities.

How do you feel about your current role in your community?

I am very happy because before I was in the shadows and now I am like a light. I beam when my neighbors ask me for advice, and I realize I am able to help them. That fills me with pride and satisfies me to be able to serve my community as I’m now able to.

My community has improved a lot since we have been working together. All the members of the Purpose Group in this community have committed to applying the techniques that we have been taught. This continues to improve and increase production in the plots. It is easy to observe the change in the environment. There is more care for the natural resources, and we have a strong coexistence. We support each other and that gives us the strength to progress as a community. I thank God for Plant With Purpose. I hope that in the future our children will follow this example of union that we are practicing now and that we continue to share the experience with others.

What are your dreams for the future?

I dream of seeing my daughters grow up with good habits, of leading as an example in the community, and I dream to see my community achieve a better quality of life. 

My dream is for us to continue with the advice that we have gotten from Purpose Groups, because undoubtedly it will lead us to achieve the goals that together we set in motion. I feel committed to this purpose of change, and we are on the way.