Ferman was just 23 years old when he made a decision that would change his life—and his community—forever. In the rural Nicaraguan village of Barranco Alto, opportunities can be scarce, but Ferman saw a way forward.

In 2019, Ferman took a bold step by joining the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) in his community. Though the experience was challenging—requiring him to adapt to new rules, discipline, and responsibilities—his persistence paid off. He took on the roles of accountant and secretary for the VSLA, demonstrating his growing determination.

With training in business planning and life skills, Ferman developed a plan focused on bell pepper production. He decided to use his savings from the first VSLA cycle to launch a business focused on growing and selling bell peppers.

Little by little, Ferman was able to expand his business over time, growing various crops and producing bountiful harvests. By 2023, Ferman’s confidence had soared as he consolidated his business and established a loyal customer base within his community.

Ferman acknowledges how the VSLA helped improve his livelihood and equipped him with the tools to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. But his story doesn’t end there. With his new skills and knowledge, he emerged as a young leader in his community, engaging in risk management initiatives and collaborating on a community action plan.

“My way of thinking today is different,” Ferman shares. “I have the necessary resources to farm and participate in community activities. All of this has contributed to my personal development, knowledge, and skills, and I feel very happy.”

Thanks to support like yours, World Renew is equipping more people like Ferman to access the right tools and training to lead and succeed in their communities.